Former Australia opener David Warner has endorsed Steve Smith to dominate England in the upcoming Ashes 2025 series, claiming that the experienced batter will score "five centuries" this summer, cementing his place as Australia's finest since Sir Donald Bradman.  

Smith returned to competitive cricket in customary style following a brief hiatus in New York, scoring 118 for New South Wales against Queensland at the Gabba.

The 36-year-old's 176-ball innings, complete with 20 fours and a six, helped the Blues reach 349/5 at stumps on Day Two of the Sheffield Shield match. Warner said Smith's form was a reassuring sign for Australia ahead of the Ashes.

"If that man Steve Smith can score big runs (this summer), they'll be fine. If Smith gets on a roll and he starts scoring runs, it's going to be a challenge for England,” Warner said on Fox Sports during commentary.

Asked if Smith could finish his career as Australia's second-best batter behind Bradman, Warner didn't hesitate.

"I reckon he's got five centuries in him. He only had one (net session) the other day and came out and scored a hundred today; that's Steve Smith,” Warner stated.

Smith's latest ton brings his Test tally to 36, just five behind Ricky Ponting's Australian record of 41. Warner feels the right-hander's desire and fitness will keep him going for several more years, despite withdrawing from one-day internationals earlier this year.

"The one thing missing from him is winning in India. He knows his body now; he knows what he's capable of—if he wants to get to that Indian series, he will,” Warner said.

Indian great Ravi Shastri shared Warner's confidence in Smith, notably in his leadership abilities, with the Australian vice-captain poised to lead in place of the injured 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 inning. (Captaincy) will get the best out of him, that's for sure. He'll be tuned on, absolutely,” Shastri said.

Warner, too, believes Smith's constant pursuit of progress keeps him ahead of his competitors.

"He's still learning. If he's still learning, god help everybody else,” Warner concluded.

The first Ashes Test between Australia and England begins at Perth Stadium on November 21, where Steve Smith will captain Australia in the absence of Pat Cummins.

(IANS inputs)