“Seamless transition”- Steve Smith ready to take Australia Test captaincy for Ashes 2025 if Pat Cummins gets ruled out

Steve Smith insists it will be a "seamless transition" if he has to replace Pat Cummins as Australia captain at any point during this year's Ashes against England.

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Cummins hasn't played since July due to a back ailment, and he claimed last week he was "less likely than likely" to play in the series opener at Perth's Optus Stadium on November 21.

Despite being a huge question for the first Test, Australia's chair of selectors, George Bailey, is "hopeful" that Cummins will play a "major part" in the series, with Smith ready to step in if needed.

Smith has filled in as captain six times when the fast bowler has been injured, winning five of those tests. The 36-year-old is ready to do so again, although Cummins is hoping to be healthy to play.

"The team is better with (Cummins) in it. Hopefully he can get right, and if he plays three or five Tests, as many as we can get out of him, it's the best thing for the team. We'll see what happens. Pat's still got a few things that he can tick off. Obviously, he said he's unlikely for that first test, but you never know—he's a healer; he gets well quickly.

I've stood in a couple of times over the last few years. It's nothing out of the ordinary. I know how the team operates; we're in a good place. If it happens, I'll look forward to it,” Smith said, as per Sky Sports.

Steve Smith also revealed his readiness for Ashes 2025

Smith, who also captained Australia for 34 tests from 2014 to 2018 before resigning due to the ball-tampering scandal, averages nearly 70 with the bat when he leads the national team.

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"I feel like I go to another level and try to set a standard. It's worked well when I've stood in over the last few years. It will be just a seamless transition if that comes around. Honestly, it takes me two hits to get sorted. I feel like I'm ready to go now.

There's obviously a balance, but I don't think it takes me much now to get up to game speed, and I want to try and stay mentally fresh. Technically I feel in a good place; it's about being mentally fresh,” he stated.

Smith oversaw Australia's 4-0 triumph at home in the 2016/17 series and filled in for Cummins during one test of their 4-0 win in the 2021/22 series.

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