Shield wrap: Smith's perfect return as Ashes hopefuls miss out

Steve Smith has marked his return to playing in Australia with an outstanding century for New South Wales in their Shield clash against Queensland.

At a time when Australia’s batting order and batting performances are being widely analysed and criticised amid some of the biggest names struggling for form, Smith’s opening innings will come as a relief to selectors and fans alike.

Having only just arrived in Australia ahead of the first Ashes Test on November 21 in Perth, Smith reached the 100-mark off 158 balls at The Gabba.

Equally impressive was Kurtis Patterson who reached triple figure before Smith off 227 balls.

It wasn’t just those two who impressed, while others failed early into the latest round of fixtures.

Check out the state of play around the country and big performers below!

Shield State of play - Day 2

Stumps - Queensland v 5-349 New South Wales - The Gabba.

Stumps - Victoria 256 & 1-35 v 232 Tasmania - Junction Oval.

Tea - Western Australia 4-218 v 215 South Australia. WACA Ground.

Big performers

Steve Smith - NSW

In his first red-ball game since the West Indies series, Australia’s first Test skipper helped himself to 118 against Queensland at the Gabba.

He certainly hasn’t wasted his one warm-up game ahead of the Ashes. England, watch out.

Kurtis Patterson - NSW

The NSW leftie enjoyed his first big knock of the season and 12th Shield century, reaching 122 from 261 balls.

After a brilliant 2024/25 Shield campaign where he averaged 57.15, could this effort be enough to secure him a spot in Australia’s Ashes squad?

Cameron Bancroft - WA

The former Test opener started the season slowly but returned to form in a big way on Wednesday, reaching 114 not out at Tea against South Australia.

While it was proof he can still dominate domestic attacks, perhaps he’s left his run to the team too late as he appears a little down the pecking order.

Jake Lehmann - SA

At 33 and with no international experience, it seems a long-shot that Lehmann could be in calculations.

Despite that, his score of 96 is his fifth score of 90 or more in his last six Shield games… he’s given selectors something to consider.

Mitch Perry - Victoria

The young Vic finished with 5/58 in Tassie’s first innings, knocking over Test hopeful Jake Weatherald for a duck caught behind.

He’s long been rated by Victoria and they’ll be thrilled to see him in some form early in the season.

Those who missed out

Sam Konstas - NSW all but confirmed his axing from the Test side after being skittled for just 10 after leaving a ball on middle. It would be disappointing for the 20-year-old as both his side’s No. 3 and 4 reached centuries on a nice Gabba wicket.

READ: Whateley - Konstas "certainly" won't make Ashes squad after horror leave

Jake Weatherald - TAS fell for a duck at the worst possible time with a Mitch Perry ripper taking his outside edge early in Tassie’s innings. Has he done enough previously in the last 12 months to secure a spot in the Ashes squad?

Beau Webster - TAS could only muster 11 against the Vics. The all-rounder hasn’t done much wrong but doesn’t seem to be locked into the first Test XI. He’ll make the Ashes squad, but he could’ve done with a big performance to sure up his spot.

Cameron Green - WA went for a duck against South Australia. Still he’ll surely make the first Test XI if he’s fit.