WWE superstar Roman Reigns uses a cricket bat in wrestling at WWE Crown Jewel 2025, taking place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. The Tribal Chief went up against Bronson Reed of Adelaide, who is referred to as "AusZilla," in a match that had everyone in suspense. During the fight, Reigns suddenly picked up a cricket bat and hit Reed, leaving the crowd stunned and excited. Commentator Wade Barrett compared Reigns to Australia’s cricket greats Ricky Ponting and Steve Smith for his powerful shots.

The WWE event came just before the much-awaited Ashes 2025–26 series between Australia and England. The series will start in Perth from November 21 to 25, followed by Tests in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. With cricket season around the corner, Roman Reigns’ use of a cricket bat in the ring perfectly matched the country’s cricket fever and gave fans a moment to remember.

The Crown Jewel show had a packed lineup with legendary matches. John Cena and AJ Styles faced each other one last time in their famous rivalry. Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins clashed in a champion vs. champion match, while Tiffany Stratton took on Stephanie Vaquer in a women’s title fight. But the most talked-about match was between Reigns and Reed because of the unexpected cricket twist.

Reigns’ Cricket Moment Lights Up Perth

During the fight, Reigns used the bat to knock Bronson Reed out of the ring. Wade Barrett shouted, “He’s like Steve Smith out here!” making the crowd roar with laughter and cheers. Even with his strong performance, Reigns couldn’t win, as Reed pinned him for the biggest victory of his career.

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Meanwhile, cricket fans also heard from recently retired England pacer Chris Woakes, who spoke about the upcoming Ashes. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, "Going to Australia is a different beast. I'm hoping the guys can go and do a good job and we've got a great chance this time. We have great depth and a great squad. The lads in the first XI, if they can stay fit and on the field we have a hell of a chance. Ashes cricket is played with more venom behind it but these players have played a lot of international cricket and enough to know what it's about.

"We have been building nicely over the last few years but not quite got over the line in the big series, but it doesn't get any bigger than this. We are due a competitive performance down under and these guys have got that in the locker."

The 27th match of The Hundred 2025 was played at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Trent Rockets captain David Willey won the toss and decided to bowl first. Welsh Fire brought in Josh Hull for Ajeet Dale, while Rockets added Lockie Ferguson to their side.

Stevie Eskinazi played a crucial knock of 53 runs from 42 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes. Captain Tom Abell also batted well, scoring 48 runs from 29 balls ,five boundaries and a six. Big players like Steve Smith and Jonny Bairstow could not score more, both falling early for just 8 runs each. In the end, Chris Green hit 11 quick runs to help Fire reach 150/6. For the Rockets, Sam Cook took two wickets, while Stoinis, Ferguson, and Willey picked one each.

Chasing the target, Tom Banton and Joe Root gave Rockets a flying start with a 66-run stand in 33 balls. Banton hit 32 from 20, while Root stayed till the end with a brilliant 64 not out from 41 balls, including four fours and three sixes. The Rockets slipped from 88/1 to 131/5, but Root held his nerve and finished the chase. They reached the target in the last over, winning by three wickets with two balls left.

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Steve Smith has ticked just about every box he can in the game of cricket. 32 Test hundreds, multiple World Cups, countless Ashes moments, and a seat among the best to ever bat in the modern game. But for all of that, the Australian great says he is looking forward to two upcoming challenges more than any others: a final home Ashes series with England, and the chance to wear the green and gold for its 2028 Olympic debut in Los Angeles.

The Ashes Obsession

Smith will be back in the forefront for Australia's plans when England visits for the Ashes later this year. The rivalry remains the most historic contest in cricket, and Smith, who is third on the list of Ashes runs behind Sir Donald Bradman and Allan Border, is excited about another chapter. 

"I watched a lot of the series over in India and it was one of the best Test series I've seen in a long time," Smith said on Sky Sports. "The cricket that was played by both sides was exceptional. England's got a good team at the moment, and they are obviously playing a really aggressive brand of cricket. Coming down to Australia, especially for their batters, will be a huge challenge. The pitches for the last three or four years have been really tricky."

Australia's bowling depth continues to be its biggest strength, and with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, they have one of the most experienced attacks in world cricket. "We have a very experienced bowling lineup that has been extremely successful for a long time," Smith added. "I think it's going to be a great series."

He also mentioned Joe Root's brilliant patch of form. "His ability to go from 50 to 100 time and time again has been incredible. He hasn't scored a hundred in Australia yet, and I'm sure that's something he wants to tick off his list too."

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The Olympics Dream

Outside of the urn, though, Smith's interest piques in the possibility of something brand new. Cricket is back in the Olympic Games for the first time in 128 years at LA28 (which happens to be 35-year-old Smith's CDL - career-defining like). Smith concedes it's hard to resist the prospect of being involved in such a global entity, especially when he is standing on the precipice of human history.

“I heard cricket was going to be involved, I thought that would be cool to be a part of,” Smith told Sky Sports. “I've played in lots of World Cups and Ashes and Border-Gavaskar Trophies, but this is something new. A new opportunity to represent your nation on the world stage. I'd love to be a part of that. But still a fair bit away, so we'll see."

In Los Angeles, the men's and women's T20 tournaments will be cricket's grand re-entrance into the Olympic Games. For players like Smith, who have achieved their success in traditional match formats, the Olympic Games present a unique opportunity to showcase cricket to a new audience and write a new chapter in history.

A Legacy Still Unfolding

Smith, at a time when most have begun to slow down, is still motivated. A new Ashes series, a potential Olympic appearance, and the chance to inspire generations mean he remains hungry. 

"I’ve always been a fan of the Olympics since I was a kid, and watching Australian representatives compete has always given me a really good feeling. It would be an amazing feeling to do that in cricket," he said. 

Whether lifting the urn on home soil or chasing gold across the ocean in Los Angeles, Steve Smith isn’t finished yet. His career, already considered one of the greatest in Australian cricket, still has chapters left to fill.

The former captain of the Australian side, Steve Smith, has shown his excitement for the upcoming five-match Test series against England in the Ashes 2025/26 during the home summer. The veteran reckoned that it would be great fun for both sets of players to show their skills and determination before the hostile crowd. 

England haven’t won a single Ashes Test in their last three trips since winning the urn back in 2011. They were whitewashed in the 2013/14 series. England recently drew their home red-ball series against India, despite being 2-1 up after the third fixture at Lord’s, which they won.

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“I watched a lot of the series against India, and I felt that was the best Test series for a long time, with the cricket played by both teams. So, I think England is a very good side at the moment.” Steve Smith expressed during a recent interview on Sky Sports Cricket.

Watch: Steve Smith throws England new challenge before Ashes 2025/26

Smith has smashed 3417 Test runs in 66 innings against England at an average of 56.02 and a strike rate of 54.75 with the help of 12 centuries and 13 half-centuries at the best score of 239 runs. At home, he has notched up 5015 runs in 100 innings at an average of nearly 60, scoring 19 fifties and 18 centuries.

"Coming down to Australia, particularly for their batters is going to be a big challenge" 🏏

Steve Smith looks ahead to this winter's Ashes 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/Ut9dvQj0y3

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 15, 2025

“They play a very aggressive brand of cricket, and coming down to Australia, particularly for the batters, the wickets, in the last three or four years, have been tricky. We have, obviously, got a very experienced bowling line-up who have played for a long time. They have been incredibly successful.” The New South Wales batter shed light during the same interview.  

“So, I am excited for the summer. Hopefully, it will be a great series. I know, the last Ashes was during Covid. So, the Barmy Army couldn’t come. But this atmosphere will be different. We love to play in front of a big and hostile crowd. So, it will be really good fun.” Steve Smith concluded that Australia looks to retain the Ashes with another drawn and won series.

The former Australian captain, Steve Smith, is looking forward to transitioning to become a T20 specialist batter in the latter half of his career. And one of the first steps will be to earn success with lots of runs during his stint with the Welsh Fire in the Hundred 2025. He was first signed in 2019, but COVID didn’t make it happen until this season.

It’s a master plan for the New South Wales batter who looks to keep his place intact in the T20 team of Australia, even after 18 months from his last appearance, with an ambition of winning an Olympic medal at the Los Angeles 2018. He retired from the 50-over format after the Champions Trophy 2025.

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‘It gives me some opportunities to be able to play in some different tournaments and keep trying to put my best foot forward to get back into the T20 team for Australia. My goal now is to try to play in the Olympics. That's motivating me, and I want to try and keep getting better at the shorter format.’ Smith expressed in England.

Steve Smith displays desire to play in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles

It's nearly four years since the right-arm batter featured in an IPL match, and his recent short-form has been limited. He was part of the T20 World Cup-winning side in 2021 before losing the spot to Tim David. However, with three centuries in the last eight innings of the BBL, he is confident of making a comeback, and that’s where he always sends a message to the coach, Andrew McDonald.

‘Andrew McDonald joked with me the other day. Every time I go back and play (T20), I always send him a text saying, 'Did you see that?' Hopefully, I can send him quite a few texts throughout August.’ Smith expressed.

‘It's going to be great to be able to come up against some of those players." Smith concluded that he will fly back home after the series and start preparation for the upcoming Ashes 2025/26 at home.

In the contemporary cricketing era, which has brought about alterations at a fast pace and bowlers are becoming increasingly sharper, making a century has become a real hallmark of excellence. However, a select few batters continue to make centuries across formats, and they have stood up to the changing challenges. Leading this elite group is Virat Kohli from India, who has attained a modern-day record of 82 centuries in international cricket, which is remarkable not only as a hallmark of class but also as a record of utter consistency over the years of international cricket, forcing many to refer to Kohli as the best batter in the world. 

Chasing Kohli are some of the greatest batters of our generation—Joe Root, Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith. Each of these players has a different style to their game; however, they all have a common quality—when they get to the international cricket big stage, they have an ability to rise to the occasion and make it count. Whether it be a defensive Test innings or a free-flowing ODI century, these players challenge our thoughts about batting excellence and then leave us to think again.

Modern-Day Greats and Their Century Race

Virat Kohli – 82 Hundreds

For modern batting, there's nowhere to start other than the King. Kohli's name deserves to be in a golden cap, as he has dominated with 82 international hundreds, and he is quickly closing in on Sachin Tendulkar's record of 100. Kohli's hundreds have been emphatic, whether they have been cover drives at full swing or his historic chases under the lights. Kohli's centuries have always been memorable events that have inspired and lifted millions. What is remarkable is Kohli's hunger. Every time he walks out onto the field, it feels like he challenges his first hundred every time he steps out to bat. 

Joe Root - 57*

Joe Root has snuck up on everyone as the engine to England's batting. With 57 hundreds so far, Root recently took the opportunity to show again why he is so important when he managed to build another classic innings over the series with India. Root would be the last person to pick fights with journalists—which says a lot because, whoever demands the headlines, Root gets the runs. No one plays with more absolute certainty whilst wearing a helmet than Joe Root. His ability to dismantle attacks in tough conditions, especially in tests, is outstanding. Joe Root's elegance is best shown in his batting; he gets lots of runs too.

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Rohit Sharma – 49 Hundreds

Rohit Sharma is not a batter—he is an experience. With 49 centuries in international cricket, the Indian captain has turned style into domination. Whether he is dismantling bowling attacks in ODIs or holding the innings in Tests, Rohit's effortless sixes and silky timing provide so much to appreciate as a spectator. Few players flow from one gear to the next like Rohit, and even fewer make batting look so simple.

Kane Williamson – 48 Hundreds

Kane Williamson is the eye of the storm: calm, steady, and in control. Williamson has scored 48 international hundreds and for years has provided a weighty anchor to New Zealand’s batting. He is the guy you would want batting for your life: he has a sound technique, is mentally strong, and is reliable. Behind the cool exterior is a fierce competitor that rises to the occasion when his team needs him the most.

Steve Smith – 48 Hundreds

If cricket has a mad genius, it is Steve Smith. Some would get concerned that theater-school coaches would scratch their heads in disbelief at Smith’s technique, but once again, considering his record, it amounts to little more than performance art. Smith has 48 hundreds in international cricket and is currently counting to add to the near-mythical status of his record in Tests (especially from a batting perspective during the Ashes). Smith does not just score runs: she eats up a bowler, one section at a time.

The opening Test of the Ashes 2025/26 will take place at the Optus Stadium in Perth from November 21, before which the touring England side will feature in a practice game against the Lions as they look forward to regaining the urn since 2015 after a highly-anticipated, thrilling drawn series at home in 2023.

The former Australian captain, Steve Smith, who averages over 56 against the Ben Stokes-led side in the longest format, will represent the Welse Fire in this year’s Hundred 2025 and is expecting a tough challenge for the opponent’s batters. He took a jibe at how the England side changed their track to aiming to win games rather than putting yards in the entertaining business.

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‘Their batters are going to be challenged a little bit differently than the wickets they have had over in England for a while, which have looked pretty flat and good for batting. The wickets in Australia in the last three or four years have been very tricky for top-order batters. It is going to be a good challenge for them.’ The veteran batter, Steve Smith, expressed during an interaction with the BBC.

Steve Smith gives stern warning to England batters for Ashes 2025/26

Smith also shed light on how the pace attacks of both sides will be the biggest strengths. They, during their recent trip to the Caribbean against the West Indies, struggled to get the runs on the bowling-friendly surfaces, with the highest team score of 286 across the three five-day games. All of their pacers have crossed the 33-age mark, but still got the better of the home side, skittling them for 27 earlier this month.

‘They have started to play a little bit differently in the last couple of weeks in terms of playing the situation, as opposed to going out and trying to be the entertainers that they said they wanted to be. They are trying to win the games now, which is perhaps different from what was said in their comments previously.’ Smith added.

He will be participating in the Hundred 2025, which begins on August 05 between the London Spirit and the Oval Invincibles. Welse Fire’s first game will be two days later against the Northern Superchargers.

Catches win matches, and that’s the old proverb going on from the start of the game of cricket. Whether it’s the T20s, the ODIs, or even the longest format of the game, catches always help a side in putting their dominance over the opponents. Fielding has always been a vital aspect in the game as it puts pressure on the sides with the new batters walking in. From Joe Root to Rahul Dravid to Mahela Jayawardene to Steve Smith, everyone has earned success in this field. 

One can look back at the opening Test of the ongoing five-match series between England and India, where the Shubman Gill-led side dropped four catches in their first innings, with the ball, at Leeds. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the culprit on many occasions, whether at the gully region or even in the outfield. The result was known to all as India lost the contest by five wickets with the home side chasing a record fourth-innings total.

Let’s take a look at the top 5 players with the most catches in Test cricket.

5. Jacques Kallis (200 catches)

There was hardly anything the former South African player couldn’t do. If one needs to score runs at the top, or pick wickets in the middle overs, or grab those fine catches at the slip region, or any other places in the ground, Jacques Kallis would always walk at the top. The veteran is fifth on the list of most catches in the longest format with 200 scalps in 315 innings. He had bucket hands, and there was hardly any catch that he dropped in his days.

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He was also the third highest run-getter of the longest format with 13289 runs in 280 innings at an average of 45.37, thanks to 45 centuries and 58 half-centuries at the best score of 224 runs.

4. Steve Smith (200 catches)

The former Australia captain and the current batter of the side, Steve Smith, is fourth on the list, jointly with Kallis, thanks to 200 catches in 225 innings. He will have a chance, though, to go up the ladder. Smith is another fabulous fielder in the slip region. There are the brilliant one-handed grabs from the New South Wales batter that caught the eyes of the fans around the globe. Smith always stands with relaxed hands and pays full concentration to the ball till the last moment to grab it.

At the start of the year 2025, Smith crossed the 10000-run mark in the red-ball format and now has 10424 runs in 260 innings at an average of 53.62 with 36 centuries.

3. Mahela Jayawardene (205 catches)

c Mahela Jayawardene b Muttiah Muralidharan will always be the best combination in the five-day format. Whenever a team used to trip Sri Lanka in the past, the fear was the former legendary off-spinner. But he was excellent only because Mahela used to stand with his big safe hands at the slip region and caught thousands of the bowlers. Whenever a batter used to get an outside edge, there was no meaning to back; Mahela had already picked it.

With the bat, the Sri Lankan legend finished with 11814 runs as the country’s second leading run-getter in 280 innings at an average of nearly 50 with 34 centuries at the best score of 374.

2. Rahul Dravid (210 catches)

The amount of concentration the former Indian captain had; he was bound to be a successful slip fielder. Rahul Dravid was always attentive at the bowler with the bat, and it was the same case in the slip position. He was the leader of the list for a long time before slipping down to the second position. Dravid has picked up 210 catches in 301 innings. He will be among the best slip fielders, compared to many former players.

With the blade, he is the fourth-highest run-getter with 13288 runs in 286 innings at an average of 52.31 and a strike rate of 42.51, shouldering 36 centuries.

1. Joe Root (211 catches)

It was the Karun Nair wicket in the evening session of the third Lord’s Test that helped Joe Root overtake Dravid, as he now has 211 catches, the most by a fielder in the longest format, in 296 innings. Fielding in England is not an easy job. The ball tends to come at them most often, and that puts pressure on the fielders all the time. Also, the chilly weather doesn’t help in keeping the hands soft and warm. But Root was decent in the job.

He also went past Dravid earlier on the same day with 37 Test centuries and is now the fifth leading run-getter with 13219 runs in 284 innings at an average of 50.84. His eyes are the cherry on the cake, Sachin Tendulkar’s 15921 runs in 329 innings. At this age, he is still a fit guy to break the record.

Still recovering from a recent finger injury, Steve Smith marked a strong return to form with a vital 43rd Test half-century, guiding Australia out of early trouble on Day 3 of the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada.

Coming to the crease with Australia reeling at 2/12 and under pressure after a first-innings collapse, Smith showcased his trademark composure and class to remain firm in testing conditions. His unbeaten 70 at tea – eventually ending on 71 – was central to Australia’s push for a defendable total, helping the tourists reach 192/6 and stretch their lead to 225 runs.

Smith, who was dismissed for just 3 in the first innings, looked far more settled on his second outing. Despite a brief lbw scare just before lunch, he weathered the West Indies’ attack with poise, striking seven boundaries and a six in his 119-ball knock. His 93-run stand with Cameron Green proved to be the cornerstone of Australia’s innings.

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Smith stands tall as Australia recover from shaky start in Grenada

Green, batting at No. 3 once again, made a patient 52 off 123 deliveries before misjudging a Shamar Joseph delivery and chopping it onto his stumps. It was a disappointing end for the young all-rounder, who had batted with maturity during the rain-hit morning session.

Earlier, nightwatchman Nathan Lyon did his job admirably, lasting close to two hours and frustrating the West Indies with a gritty 8 off 33 balls. Lyon’s efforts helped provide stability and allowed Green and Smith to consolidate.

Travis Head (31*) and Alex Carey (11*) continued the positive momentum after Smith’s dismissal to push the lead past 220, setting up Australia for a potential series-clinching win. The visitors hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after a convincing win in the first Test at Barbados.

While questions remain over the form of openers Usman Khawaja and debutant Sam Konstas, who both fell cheaply again, Smith’s return to form will come as a massive boost for Pat Cummins’ side as they eye victory at the unfamiliar National Stadium in St George’s.

Australia have officially named their playing XI for the second Test against the West Indies, and the big headline is the return of Steve Smith. The senior batter is fit again and slots straight back into the middle order, adding strength and stability. With the series on the line, Smith’s experience and class will be crucial as the Aussies look to seal a 2-0 win.

Pat Cummins continues to lead a confident and settled squad that dominated the first Test. Smith’s inclusion is the only change, replacing Matt Renshaw. The bowling quartet of Starc, Hazlewood, Lyon and Green remains in situ a sign that the Aussies believe their well-oiled attack will deliver once more.

West Indies will want to recover after a difficult first encounter, they will need more commitment from their batsmen. Their inexperienced squad looked promising, particularly with the ball, but they will really be tested for character and discipline taking on a full-strength Australian team with Smith returning.

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THE DECIDER: Australia at Full Strength, West Indies Playing for Pride

Australia will be looking for a thumping win, and with World Test Championship points to play for, they will be eager to push home the advantage. The presence of Steve Smith will bolster their batting and also give them a psychological advantage. Home conditions, momentum and squad depth all suggest an Aussie edge. . Their bowlers have been relentless, and if they strike early again, it could be another long outing for the visitors.

The Windies, on the other hand, must bat with greater patience and grit. Their top order needs to absorb pressure and spend time at the crease to set a platform. If they can put up a fight in the first innings, they’ll at least give themselves a shot. But unless they lift across all departments, it’s Australia’s game to lose.

Australia XI:
Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.