Steve Smith, the veteran Australian batsman, admitted that he is uncertain whether he will be part of the Australian side that travels to England for the 2027 Ashes series. The 38‑year‑old will celebrate his birthday just weeks before the opening Test at Trent Bridge in June, and the prospect of an Ashes victory on English soil has never been realised in his career. As a result, the 2027 contest could represent his final opportunity to win the coveted trophy away from home.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Smith explained his cautious approach to future selection. "I don't even know if I'll be there yet," he said, adding that he treats each series as a separate decision and that the next Ashes is still a long way off.
"I would love to win an Ashes in England, but we’ll have to see if that ever happens," he continued. Smith's statistical record in England underscores why the idea of a triumph there is so appealing.
Over 23 Test matches on English pitches he has amassed 2,334 runs at a remarkable average of 54.27, including eight centuries and ten fifties. His recent form has been equally impressive: he averaged just over 50 in the nine Tests he played during the 2025 season, and in the three Tests so far this year—one against England and two versus Bangladesh—he has been sitting on a 61.40 average.
When asked about his current batting mindset, Smith said, "I feel I'm batting really nicely. I've found different ways to go about things on these tricky surfaces and still be able to score runs." He emphasized his desire to contribute in all facets of the game, from scoring runs to taking catches and offering leadership where needed. "It's been a good, fun couple of years," he added, hinting at his continued enthusiasm for the longer format despite his growing interest in limited‑overs cricket. Beyond the Ashes, Smith is keen to extend his T20 career and hopes to represent Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket is set to make a return as a medal sport.
He also voiced concerns about a new bowling trend that is making life increasingly difficult for batsmen. "There are some balls now that are just unplayable," he remarked, describing deliveries that seem to have a life of their own. "If it's seaming two degrees, you're not hitting that ball, or you shouldn't be hitting that ball. If you're hitting it, you're probably not a very good batter, to be honest.
You're playing down the wrong line. And if it's coming into you, and it's hitting the top of the stumps and you're getting trapped in front, you can't do anything about it." Smith's comments came amid a broader discussion about the role of spin bowling in modern Test cricket.
England's recent 3‑0 home series win over Pakistan featured a pace‑heavy attack—Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson—supported only by part‑time off‑spinner Dan Lawrence. For Australia, the selection of veteran off‑spinner Nathan Lyon has become less certain on pitches that favour seam movement.
"When the ball's moving as much as it is, and you can create relentless pressure by bowlers just continually hitting the spot, spin's by far the easiest thing to face and the thing that you can score freely off," Smith observed. He lamented the scarcity of spin-friendly conditions, noting, "It's a shame that we've had such spicy wickets that it's got to that point, because I love playing a spinner. I love watching spin bowlers bowl.
I was a spin bowler myself back in the day. I'd love to see spin play much more of a part in Test cricket again." Australia's next major red‑ball assignment is a three‑match series in South Africa starting on October 9. This will be the first time the Australian team has toured South Africa since the 2018 ball‑tampering scandal that resulted in bans for Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.
The series will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with all matches kicking off at 11 am UK and Ireland time. Looking ahead, Smith's ambivalence about the 2027 Ashes reflects a broader reality for many seasoned players: balancing personal milestones, physical demands, and the desire to leave a lasting legacy.
While his exact plans remain undecided, his track record suggests that, if he does make the trip, he will bring a wealth of experience, a proven ability to adapt to English conditions, and a fierce determination to finally claim an Ashes series victory on foreign soil. Whether or not he ultimately steps onto the field at Trent Bridge, Smith's words underscore the respect he holds for the challenge and his ongoing commitment to contributing wherever Australia needs him.