Australia’s batting mainstay Steve Smith has 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 knock comes at a crucial time as the Aussies prepare for the upcoming Ashes series, beginning November 21 in Perth.
Steve Smith returns to form ahead of Ashes with brilliant ton
After a challenging run for Australia’s top order in recent months, Smith’s return to form will come as a huge relief for selectors and fans alike. The veteran batter, who had just landed back in Australia, showcased his trademark class and concentration as he reached his hundred off 158 deliveries, blending patience with precision strokeplay.
Smith and Patterson steady NSW with twin tons
Smith wasn’t the only NSW batter to shine as skipper Kurtis Patterson also brought up a well-compiled century, getting to the milestone before Smith off 227 balls. The pair combined beautifully to rebuild after early wickets, guiding NSW into a commanding 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 covers, flicked confidently off his pads, and displayed his trademark resilience that has defined his Test career. His celebration upon reaching three figures—raising the bat towards the dressing room—reflected both relief and renewed determination.
Welcome back Steve Smith! 💯 on return for NSW #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/qgCZYbNT4x
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 29, 2025
Fans on social media were ecstatic to witness Smith’s fluent century ahead of the high-voltage Ashes. Many hailed it as a ‘perfect dress rehearsal’ for the star batter, 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 Modern Era. pic.twitter.com/SkVCEUubYa
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 29, 2025
Ashes is around the corner 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 in 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 has returned in style.pic.twitter.com/a8kj93F9vq
— 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗭𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 (@GenZified_) October 29, 2025
First game back in professional cricket after 2 months and he scores a 100.
Well played Steve Smith. This man is a colossus in the red ball game. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/QESlQURZBV— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) October 29, 2025
Steve Smith smashes a brilliant 💯 in the Sheffield Shield!
The skipper looks in sublime touch perfect build-up ahead of the Ashes!— Dhiraj (@dhiraj01_) October 29, 2025
CENTURY FOR STEVE SMITH. pic.twitter.com/aQjPm7NrBz
— Cric Bug (@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
— Aussies 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 you Beauty🥰🥰🥰. Skip is ready for the Ashes pic.twitter.com/JDOaBLMkm2
— Aatish Kapoor the oscar winner (@AkashThapa2505) October 29, 2025
By some distance Steve smith is the greatest test Batsmen of this era no amount of statpading on England’s highways will make Joe root superior than him in test cricket.
England already shivering 🥶.pic.twitter.com/0J6sPB43r8
— 93 (@93Yorker) October 29, 2025
💯 for Steve Smith on his return for NSW in Sheffield Shield ❤️#SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/PWgtA4adNM
— Ankit Sharma (@AnkitsharmaINC) October 29, 2025
Smith to captain in Ashes opener
Notably, Smith is set to lead Australia in the first Ashes Test as regular skipper Pat Cummins continues his recovery from 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 finest Test batters of the modern era.
