Former Australian opener David Warner has predicted that Steve Smith will dominate the upcoming Ashes series against England, predicting five centuries for the veteran in the summer. Warner’s comments came after Smith scored a brilliant 118 for New South Wales against Queensland at the Gabba after a short break in New York.Smith’s impressive 176-ball innings, which featured 20 fours and a six, helped New South Wales reach 349/5 at stumps on the second day of the Sheffield Shield match.Also watch:
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Warner expressed confidence in Smith’s form ahead of the Ashes on Fox Cricket on Wednesday.“If that man Steve Smith can score big runs (this summer) it will be fine. If Smith gets into the game and starts scoring runs, it will be a challenge for England.”Warner believes Smith could finish his career as Australia’s second-best batsman behind Sir Donald Bradman.“I reckon he’s got five centuries in him. He only had one (clean sheet) the other day and today he came out and scored a hundred; that’s Steve Smith.”Smith’s recent century took his Test total to 36, just five short of Ricky Ponting’s Australian record of 41. Despite retiring from ODIs earlier this year, Warner believes Smith’s fitness and enthusiasm will sustain his career.“The only thing he’s missing is a win in India. He knows his body now, he knows what he’s capable of – if he wants to get into that India series, he’ll do it.”Indian cricket legend Ravi Shastri has praised Smith’s adaptability and leadership skills as he prepares to lead Australia in the absence of Pat Cummins.“What’s always amazed me about Steve … is his ability to adapt to different conditions and improvise, even in the middle of a series, sometimes in the middle of an innings. (The captain) will get the best out of him, that’s for sure. He’ll be in tune, absolutely.”Warner emphasized Smith’s constant drive to improve.“He’s still learning. If he’s still learning, God help everyone else.”The first Ashes Test between Australia and England is scheduled to begin at the Perth Stadium on November 21. Smith currently holds an impressive average of 112.28 as captain in Ashes competitions.
