Steve Smith's summer of leadership has culminated in a dominant Ashes series victory for Australia, completing a remarkable personal redemption story that once seemed impossible.
From Scandal to Stand-In Skipper
The notion of Steve Smith captaining Australia again appeared far-fetched after the 2018 ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. That incident resulted in a 12-month playing ban and a two-year leadership suspension. Many believed the weight of captaincy would be the last thing he'd seek after such controversy.
Even his appointment as Pat Cummins' vice-captain in 2021 was met with public unease. Smith himself acknowledged the move would be unpopular. However, the reality of having a fast bowler as skipper meant a stand-in was always likely. That moment arrived just two Tests into Cummins' tenure, with Smith scoring 93 and steering Australia to a 275-run win.
The Ashes Captain in Charge
This Ashes series, however, presented a different challenge entirely. Smith wasn't just filling in; he became the face of the campaign. He led Australia in four of the five Tests, only missing one due to illness when Cummins was available. Every time fans saw Smith on the field, he was in charge.
He was the one explaining decisions, facing the cameras, and ultimately accepting the trophy on stage. The risk of leading a losing Ashes campaign was immense, but Smith embraced the pressure. His batting flourished under the responsibility, averaging a staggering 79.7 with three centuries in his last six Tests as captain, compared to 30.4 when not leading.
Leading On and Off the Field
Smith's leadership extended beyond runs. His catching remained phenomenal despite the mental load of captaincy. He handled himself with dignity, notably refusing to publicly detail his on-field confrontation with England's Jofra Archer at the Gabba.
In a significant gesture of sportsmanship, he ensured the English team was invited into the Australian dressing rooms after the series—a stark contrast to the 2023 UK tour where Australia was not welcomed. Throughout, he ignored the relentless booing and provocative masks from the Barmy Army, referencing his 2018 tearful press conference.
The Ultimate Redemption and Future Tests
The summer has normalised Smith's leadership. When he captains, Australia wins, he scores heavily, and controversy is absent. This sets the stage for his next major challenge: a three-Test tour of South Africa later this year—Australia's first visit since 2018.
With Cummins' fitness never guaranteed, Smith may well lead the team in the very country where his captaincy originally unravelled. Returning to Cape Town would be a profound full-circle moment.
Smith has rebuilt his reputation through performance and calm authority. Australia's unique luxury of having two world-class leaders has proven decisive. For Steve Smith, this Ashes victory wasn't just about winning the urn; it was the ultimate proof that his redemption is complete.
