As the dates for the blockbuster Ashes 2025-26 series are drawing near, the anticipation among fans is proliferating. Australia Test legend, Steve Smith, has wrapped up his preparations for yet another thrilling Ashes campaign of his career. Smith took a short break to rejuvenate himself for the series following his participation in The Hundred league. Steve Smith, one of the greats of the game, has been doing things differently this time, focusing more on mental toughness rather than batting. After coming from New York, he faced throwdowns from New South Wales bowlers and is set to appear in two Sheffield Shield matches before shifting his focus to the Ashes series. It is being reported that Steve Smith is set to lead Australia in the first Test match in Perth. As quoted by ESPNcricinfo, Steve Smith said: "Honestly, it takes me two hits to get sorted. I feel like I'm ready to go now. I feel like I'm moving really nicely. I feel in a good place. I've been training quite hard. I've been doing a lot of lifting, trying to get a bit stronger. And I did all my strength tests yesterday and they're all as good as they've ever been. So I feel like I'm going good.” Also Read: Did Starc Just Bowl the Fastest Ball in History? 176.5 kmph Delivery Stuns Fans Australia's regular skipper Pat Cummins’ participation in the upcoming Ashes series is yet to be confirmed as he continues to recover from his back injury. In his absence, Smith is likely to captain the side. Smith on Cummin’s Ashes participation said: "Things can turn around pretty quickly so we'll see where everything lands with him. He's obviously got a few things to tick off and get into his bowling, but he was in good spirits and the team's obviously better with him in it for sure. Hopefully he can get right and if he plays three Tests or five Tests or two Tests, as many as we can get out of him, it's the best for the team." Australia have been facing some key injuries ahead of their Ashes participation as their star all-rounder duo Cameron Green and Beau Webster are recovering from a low-grade side soreness and ankle injury. They will face England in the first Test match of the five-match Ashes series at Perth from November 21 to 24.