Smith announced his return to competitive cricket in trademark fashion after a short break in New York, slamming a brilliant 118 for New South Wales against Queensland at the Gabba. The 36-year-old\u2019s 176-ball knock, studded with 20 fours and a six, guided the Blues to 349\/5 at stumps on Day Two of the Sheffield Shield clash.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking on Fox Cricket on Wednesday, Warner said Smith\u2019s form was a reassuring sign for Australia ahead of the Ashes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIf that man Steve Smith can score big runs (this summer), they\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Warner said. \u201cIf Smith gets on a roll and he starts scoring runs, it\u2019s going to be a challenge for England.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Asked if Smith could finish his career as Australia\u2019s second-best batter behind Bradman, Warner didn\u2019t hesitate.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI reckon he\u2019s got five centuries in him,\u201d he declared. \u201cHe only had one (net session) the other day and came out and scored a hundred today; that\u2019s Steve Smith.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Smith\u2019s latest ton takes his tally to 36 in Tests \u2014 just five behind Ricky Ponting\u2019s Australian record of 41. Warner believes the right-hander\u2019s hunger and fitness will keep him going for several more years, even after retiring from ODIs earlier this year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe one thing missing from him is winning in India,\u201d Warner pointed out. \u201cHe knows his body now, he knows what he\u2019s capable of \u2013 if he wants to get to that Indian series, he will.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Indian legend Ravi Shastri echoed Warner\u2019s faith in Smith, particularly in his leadership qualities, with the Australian vice-captain set to lead in the absence of the injured Pat Cummins.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s always amazed me about Steve\u2026 is his ability to adapt to different conditions and improvise, even in the middle of a series, sometimes in the middle of an innings,\u201d Shastri said. \u201c(Captaincy) will get the best out of him, that\u2019s for sure. He\u2019ll be tuned on, absolutely.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Indian legend Ravi Shastri echoed Warner\u2019s faith in Smith, particularly in his leadership qualities, with the Australian vice-captain set to lead in the absence of the injured Pat Cummins.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The first Ashes Test between Australia and England begins at Perth Stadium on November 21, where Smith, already averaging a staggering 112.28 as captain in Ashes contests, will be.<\/p>\r\n\r\n