'He's unlikely for first Test but you never know...': Steve Smith breaks silence to lead Australia in Ashes in Pat Cummins' absence

Australia veteran batter Steve Smith reckons that it would be a seamless transition if he is required to lead Australia in the first Test of the Ashes series if Pat Cummins misses out due to injury. Cummins, who is currently on the road to recovery from a back injury, admitted last week that he is less likely than likely to feature in the opening Test against England, scheduled to begin on November 21 at Perth's Optus Stadium.

Steve Smith for leading Australia

Australia's chairman of selectors, George Bailey, remains hopeful that Cummins will play a major role in the series, but in case he is unavailable for the opener, Smith is fully prepared to step in. Smith led Australia in six matches when Cummins was out, winning five of those Tests. While Smith is confident of handling the leadership role once again, he said his main wish is to see Cummins fit and ready for the Ashes.

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"The team is better with (Cummins) in it," Smith told reporters, as quoted from Sky Sports.

"Hopefully he can get right and if he plays three or five Tests, as many as we can get out of him, it's the best thing for the team," he noted.

"We'll see what happens. Pat's still got a few things that he can tick off. Obviously, he said he's unlikely for that first Test but you never know - he's a healer, he gets well quickly," he added.

"I've stood in a couple of times over the last few years. It's nothing out of the ordinary. I know how the team operates, we're in a good place, if it happens I'll look forward to it," Smith said.

Smith's record as a Test captain

Smith, who led Australia in 34 Tests between 2014 to 2018 before stepping down after the ball-tampering controversy, holds an impressive batting record as captain, averaging nearly 70 in Tests while leading the side.

"I feel like I go to another level and try to set a standard," Smith said, according to Sky Sports.

"It's worked well when I've stood in over the last few years. It will be just a seamless transition if that comes around," he added.

Ashes 2025 is scheduled to start from 21 November and the first clash will take place at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Australia has yet to announce their squad for the mega event.