Ashes build-up in full swing as Steve Smith lights up Sheffield Shield comeback with brilliant century
The mainstay of Australian batting Steve Smith announced his return to domestic cricket in style, smashing a sublime century for New South Wales (NSW) against Queensland in the ongoing Sheffield Shield encounter. The blow comes at a crucial time as the Australians prepare for the upcoming Ashes series, which begins on November 21 in Perth.
Steve Smith returns to form ahead of Ashes with brilliant ton
After a tough run for Australia’s top spot in recent months, Smith’s return to form will come as a huge relief to selectors and fans. The veteran batter, who had only just returned to Australia, displayed his characteristic class and concentration as he reached his hundred off 158 deliveries, mixing patience and precision strokeplay.
Smith and Patterson stabilize NSW with two tons
Smith wasn’t the only NSW batter to shine as skipper Kurtis Patterson also brought up a well-compiled century, reaching the milestone before Smith with 227 balls. The pair combined beautifully to rebuild after the early wickets, guiding NSW to a dominant position against a strong Queensland attack featuring the likes of Michael Neser And Mark Steketee.
Smith, who was seen refining his technique during the pre-season, looked in complete control throughout his innings. He drove elegantly through the covers, took off his pads with confidence and displayed the resilience that defined his Test career. His celebration after reaching triple digits – raising the bat towards the locker room – reflected both relief and renewed determination.
Welcome back Steve Smith! 💯 on return to NSW #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/qgCZYbNT4x
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 29, 2025
Fans on social media were delighted to witness Smith’s fluent century ahead of the high-voltage Ashes. Many hailed it as a “perfect dress rehearsal” for the star hitter, while others praised his ability to deliver when it matters most.
Here’s how fans reacted:
🚨 HUNDRED FOR STEVE SMITH IN SHEFFIELD SHIELD 🚨
– A great preparation for the Ashes by the greatest Test batter of the modern era. pic.twitter.com/SkVCEUubYa
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 29, 2025
Ashes are fast approaching and Smith smashes a Brilliant Hundred in Sheffield Shield… Damn! 🥶#ashes #SteveSmith pic.twitter.com/gneCv6CsG6
– Vishwanath Hariharan (@hariharanwrites) October 29, 2025
💯 for Steve Smith on his return for NSW at Sheffield Shield ❤️#SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/sf3Qjj8nMI
– Classic Mojito (@classic_mojito) October 29, 2025
Steve Smith announces his return with a solid half-century 🩵 pic.twitter.com/FGDlVnsNVp
– caped crusader (@capedcr49) October 29, 2025
Ladies and gentlemen, Steve Smith is back with a stunning century in domestic cricket – the GOAT is back in style.pic.twitter.com/a8kj93F9vq
— 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗭𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 (@GenZified_) October 29, 2025
First professional cricket match after 2 months and he gets a 100.
Well done Steve Smith. This man is a colossus in the red ball game. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/QESlQURZBV– Troll Cricket Unlimited (@TUnlimitedd) October 29, 2025
Steve Smith crushes a brilliant 💯 in the Sheffield Shield!
The skipper looks sublime, in perfect state of preparation for the Ashes!-Dhiraj (@dhiraj01_) October 29, 2025
CENTURY FOR STEVE SMITH. pic.twitter.com/aQjPm7NrBz
– Bug Jack (@Smithian_here) October 29, 2025
CENTURY for Steve Smith
In his very first innings of the season, Steve Smith scores a century against Queensland.#SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/LpGV2mS9pS
– Australian Army🏏🦘 (@AussiesArmy) October 29, 2025
https://twitter.com/CricketTimesHQ/status/1983426090694783155
🚨 HUNDRED FOR STEVE SMITH IN SHEFFIELD SHIELD. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Po0TOCtv1t
– Danish (@BhttDNSH100) October 29, 2025
Steve Smith, your beauty🥰🥰🥰. Skip is ready for the ashes pic.twitter.com/JDOaBLMkm2
– Oscar winner Aatish Kapoor (@AkashThapa2505) October 29, 2025
By far Steve Smith is the greatest test batsman of this era, no amount of statpading on the English highways will make Joe superior to him in test cricket.
England is already shivering 🥶.pic.twitter.com/0J6sPB43r8
– 93 (@93Yorker) October 29, 2025
💯 for Steve Smith on his return for NSW at Sheffield Shield ❤️#SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/PWgtA4adNM
-Ankit Sharma (@AnkitsharmaINC) October 29, 2025
ALSO READ: AUS vs ENG: Here’s why Steve Smith will replace Pat Cummins as captain in the first Ashes Test
Smith becomes captain in first Ashes match
Notably, Smith is expected to lead Australia in the first Ashes Test as regular skipper. Patrick Cummins continues his recovery from an injury. The move marks Smith’s temporary return to captaincy, reigniting memories of his previous leadership tenure.
With the Ashes just weeks away, Smith’s century couldn’t have come at a better time. His innings not only silenced critics questioning Australia’s batting depth but also reminded everyone why he remains one of the best Test batters of the modern era.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli, Steve Smith or Joe Root? Dinesh Karthik picks best Test batter
