PERTH: Former Australian opener David Warner believes Steve Smith is on track to equal Ricky Ponting’s record of 41 Test centuries during the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 series against England, beginning November 21 in Perth.
Smith made a resounding statement of form this week, smashing a brilliant 118 off 176 balls for New South Wales against Queensland in the Sheffield Shield at the Gabba. His knock featured 20 fours and one six, signalling top form ahead of taking charge as Australia’s stand-in captain in the first Ashes Test, with Pat Cummins sidelined.
“If Steve Smith can score big runs this summer, they’ll be fine. If Smith gets on a roll and starts scoring, it’ll be a real challenge for England,” Warner told Fox Cricket.
Smith’s numbers back up Warner’s faith. In 2025, the veteran batter accumulated 515 runs in six Tests at an average of 51.50, including two centuries and two fifties. His last Test series came against the West Indies in June-July, where he scored 127 runs in four innings, with a top score of 71.
Currently sitting on 36 Test centuries, Smith is just five shy of Ponting’s Australian record. Warner believes this could be the summer he draws level.
“I reckon he’s got five centuries in him. He only had one net session the other day and came out and scored a hundred today—that’s Steve Smith,” Warner said.
Beyond personal records, Smith has already achieved nearly everything in international cricket — T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and World Test Championship titles. Yet, one elusive goal remains: winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India.
Warner believes that goal could keep Smith motivated until 2027.
“The one thing missing for him is winning in India. He knows his body now and what he’s capable of. If he wants to get to that Indian series, he will,” Warner added.
The upcoming Ashes 2025-26 series kicks off in Perth on November 21, followed by matches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Historically, Australia leads the rivalry, with 140 wins in 340 Tests, compared to England’s 108. The Aussies also hold a 34–32 lead in Ashes series victories overall.
