Australian cricket icon Steve Smith is confident that his six-week sojourn in New York has him well-prepared for the upcoming Ashes series. As he sets his sights on the contest with England, he has issued a cautionary note to his rivals, suggesting that stepping into the captaincy role elevates his batting performance to a new level.

At age 36, Smith recently returned to Sydney, having taken a deliberate break from cricket since late August. The hiatus has only heightened his eagerness to face the touring team, with excitement for the series mounting daily.

Known for his deep passion for cricket—often practicing his batting techniques even in hotel rooms—Smith has embraced a more minimalistic approach in the twilight of his career. This shift is a stark contrast to the relentless enthusiasm of his younger days.

“I definitely find myself mentally drained more quickly these days,” Smith admitted. “A decade ago, I relished the opportunity to play in every match possible. Now, Test cricket has undeniably become my top priority.”

‘Ten years ago I loved to come back and play every single game that I could. Now, obviously, my Test cricket has taken a huge priority.

Aussie star Steve Smith is adamant six weeks recently spent in New York has him perfectly poised for the Ashes series

Often renowned for being a cricket tragic who previously could be heard tapping his bat in hotel rooms, Smith, 36, has adopted a less-is-more approach late in his career

‘I know that when I play a lot at the start, by the end of the summer I’m pretty cooked mentally and probably can’t produce the same performances.

‘Last year I was probably batting my best at the back end of the summer against India, coming off not too much cricket at the start.’

Smith – who has plundered more than 10,000 Test runs in his decorated career – had his first outdoor net session in Sydney on Tuesday, after a few throw-downs facing the side-arm in the past week.

But after just a few hits, Smith believes he is already in good nick, with two Sheffield Shield matches for NSW to come before the first Test on November 21 in Perth.

‘Honestly, it takes me two hits to get sorted. I feel like I’m ready to go now,’ Smith said.

‘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 as mentally fresh as possible.

‘Technically I feel in a good place – and I’m not hitting as many balls as I used to.

‘It’s to try and get the most out of myself mentally when I’m out in the middle and be able to concentrate for long periods of time.’

Smith also had some advice for young gun Sam Konstas – his phone is ‘always on’ if he wants to chat about his game

Marnus Labuschagne is closing in on a Test recall after plundering four centuries this season for Queensland

Smith’s more relaxed approach will also raise questions over whether he can play on for longer and until the 2027 Ashes.

But the right-hander said it was too soon to make a call on his future, and he would re-evaluate again at the end of this summer.

The other facet for Smith is the captaincy.

Pat Cummins is yet to resume bowling, meaning he is now almost certain to miss the first Test.

Smith will lead Australia, with the stand-in skipper believing he is more relaxed than when he was the full-time captain between 2013 and 2017.

And he also knows his batting also improves with the role, averaging 68.98 in the role compared to 49.90 when not captain.

‘It’s interesting how the brain works,’ Smith said.

‘I feel like I kind of go to another level and try to set a standard, I suppose.’

He also had some advice for young gun Sam Konstas, who appears likely to lose his place in the Aussie XI to Marnus Labuschagne, who has already peeled off four centuries this season for Queensland.

‘My door is always open and my phone’s always on,’ Smith said of helping Konstas. 

‘Whenever he wants to chat batting, I love talking batting. He’s obviously going through a bit of a period right now where he’s trying to figure out how he wants to play.

‘I think at times, you’ve got to kind of let these young players figure it out for themselves.’