In the timeless rivalry between bat and ball, few debates spark as much passion among cricket fans as “Steve Smith vs Joe Root.” Now, England’s own captain, Ben Stokes, has dropped a bombshell by revealing who he considers the greatest batter of their generation—and it’s a name that might surprise some, especially in his own camp.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated 2025–26 Ashes series, Stokes didn’t mince words when discussing the challenge of containing Australian skipper Steve Smith. “He’s one of the greatest we’ve ever seen,” Stokes said, placing Smith in rarefied air alongside England’s own batting maestro, Joe Root . But his praise came with a strategic edge: silencing Smith could be the key to England reclaiming the urn on home soil.
Table of Contents
- Ben Stokes’ Greatest Batter Verdict on Smith and Root
- The Smith vs Root Rivalry: By the Numbers
- Why Smith Is England’s Ashes Achilles’ Heel
- Stokes’ Strategy: Neutralizing a Genius
- Summary
- Sources
Ben Stokes’ Greatest Batter Verdict on Smith and Root
Ben Stokes stopped short of declaring an outright “winner,” but his admiration for Steve Smith’s ability to dominate under pressure was unmistakable. “Joe is phenomenal—there’s no question,” Stokes acknowledged. “But Steve… the way he finds a way, even when the ball is doing everything, is just different.”
This isn’t just casual praise. As a fellow all-rounder and frontline bowler, Stokes has personally endured Smith’s surgical precision at the crease—most notably during the 2019 Ashes, where Smith amassed 774 runs at an astonishing average of 110.57, even after returning from a concussion .
By calling Smith “one of the greatest of their generation,” Stokes is placing him in the same conversation as legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis—high praise indeed from a player of Stokes’ caliber. The comment also underscores a critical tactical truth: for England to win the Ashes, they must solve the “Smith problem.”
The Smith vs Root Rivalry: By the Numbers
Both batters debuted within months of each other in 2010–11 and have defined a golden era of Test batting. But their head-to-head stats—especially in Ashes contests—tell a compelling story.
Steve Smith vs Joe Root: Key Career Stats (As of November 2025)
| Player | Tests | Runs | Avg | 100s | Ashes Runs | Ashes Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Smith | 106 | 9,873 | 59.2 | 32 | 2,273 | 63.1 |
| Joe Root | 138 | 11,821 | 50.3 | 31 | 1,909 | 47.7 |
While Root has more overall runs and Tests, Smith’s Ashes record is significantly superior. His average of over 63 in the series dwarfs Root’s 47.7—a gap that explains why Stokes sees him as England’s primary threat [[6], [9]].
Why Smith Is England’s Ashes Achilles’ Heel
Smith’s dominance isn’t just statistical—it’s psychological. His unorthodox technique, built around a pronounced trigger movement and an uncanny ability to play late, makes him incredibly difficult to trap in front or bowl out. English pacers like James Anderson and Stuart Broad have tried everything: short balls, wide lines, leg theory. Yet Smith keeps adapting.
In the 2023 Ashes in England, even on seaming, overcast days at Headingley and Old Trafford, Smith looked unflappable. He scored two centuries and averaged over 70 across the series—on pitches tailor-made to challenge his technique .
“If you get Steve early, the whole dynamic of the game changes,” Stokes noted. “It gives the bowlers belief, and it puts doubt in their [Australia’s] dressing room.” That’s why neutralizing Smith isn’t just a tactical move—it’s an emotional and psychological one.
Stokes’ Strategy: Neutralizing a Genius
So how does England plan to contain Smith in 2025? Stokes, known for his aggressive captaincy, is likely to employ a multi-pronged approach:
- Early aggression: Target Smith with short-pitched bowling from the likes of Jofra Archer (if fit) or Mark Wood in the first 15 overs.
- Leg-side fields: Use dense leg-theory fields to cramp him for room and induce false shots.
- Spin as a surprise weapon: Deploy Jack Leach or Shoaib Bashir early to disrupt his rhythm on turning tracks.
- Mental pressure: Sustain intensity over long periods—Smith thrives on comfort, so deny him any.
Interestingly, Stokes also hinted that managing his own bowling workload will be key. “I need to be fresh to bowl at him when it matters,” he said—a subtle nod to his role as both captain and crisis bowler .
For more on England’s Ashes preparations, check out our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:england-ashes-2025-strategy-stokes-leadership].
Summary
In a candid revelation ahead of the 2025–26 Ashes, Ben Stokes greatest batter commentary places Steve Smith among the all-time greats, even above his compatriot Joe Root in terms of match-defining impact—especially in Ashes contests. While praising Root’s consistency, Stokes emphasized that containing Smith is the single biggest factor in England’s chances of winning back the urn. With Smith’s superior Ashes stats and unorthodox genius, the battle to neutralize him will define the series. As Stokes prepares his tactical masterplan, the cricketing world waits to see if England can finally solve their “Smith puzzle.”