Steve Smith, the veteran Australian batsman, admitted that he "does not know" whether he will be part of the Australian side that travels to England for the 2027 Ashes. The uncertainty comes as Smith approaches his 38th birthday, which falls just a few weeks before the opening Test at Trent Bridge in June 2027.
Smith has never been a member of an Australian team that has won the Ashes on English soil, and the 2027 contest would likely be his final opportunity to achieve that elusive milestone. In an interview with The Telegraph, the former captain explained his thought process: "I don't even know if I'll be there yet. I'm kind of a series‑by‑series proposition, as I've been for a while. That's still a fair way away for me right now.
I'd love to win an Ashes in England but you wait and see if that comes to fruition." His record in England speaks for itself. Over 23 Tests on English pitches, Smith has amassed 2,334 runs at an impressive average of 54.27, including eight centuries and ten fifties.
Even in recent years his numbers have remained strong. In the nine‑match Test campaign of 2025 he averaged just over 50, and in the three Tests he has played so far this year – one against England and two versus Bangladesh – his average sits at a lofty 61.40. When asked about his current form, 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. So trying to contribute as well as I can for the team, score runs, take catches, help out in leadership areas where I need to – it's been a good, fun couple of years." Beyond the traditional red‑ball game, Smith is also keen to extend his T20 career and hopes to represent Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket is slated to return as a medal sport.
His perspective on the evolving nature of Test bowling was also a highlight of the conversation. He warned that modern bowlers are perfecting a "wobble‑seam" delivery that can be almost unplayable: "There are some balls now that are just unplayable.
Some of these balls have your name on it and you can't do anything about it. 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." The comment came in the context of England's recent 3‑0 home series sweep of Pakistan, where they opted not to use a specialist spinner. Instead, they relied on part‑timer Dan Lawrence to complement a four‑bowler attack featuring Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson. In contrast, Australia’s selection of Nathan Lyon has become less certain in recent seasons, especially on pitches that favour seam movement. Smith expressed a clear preference for spin when conditions allow: "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.
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." Looking ahead, Australia's next major red‑ball assignment is a three‑match series against South Africa beginning on October 9.
This marks the first time the Australian side will tour South Africa since the fallout from 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 scheduled to start at 11 a.m.
UK and Irish time. Smith's ambivalence about the 2027 Ashes underscores a broader theme in modern cricket: the balance between longevity and ambition. As players extend their careers across formats, the decision to commit to a grueling five‑Test series abroad becomes increasingly strategic. For Smith, the allure of finally lifting the Ashes in England is powerful, yet the realities of age, fitness, and evolving team dynamics mean that the final answer may not be known until closer to the start of the series.
In summary, while Steve Smith remains one of the most prolific batsmen in recent Australian history—especially on English pitches—he has chosen to keep his options open regarding the 2027 Ashes. His performance data, love for spin bowling, and desire to continue playing T20 cricket and potentially the Olympics all factor into a complex decision‑making process that will be watched closely by fans and selectors alike. The upcoming South Africa tour will provide further clues about his form and fitness, and may ultimately influence whether he decides to chase that long‑awaited Ashes victory on English soil.