Smith was fast-tracked as the team's new wicketkeeper-batter at the start of the summer, leapfrogging 100-cap veteran Jonny Bairstow and his own Surrey teammate Ben Foakes, and made an outstanding first impression.
The 24-year-old was reliable with the gloves and striking with the bat, scoring a maiden century as well as three half-centuries to average 48.70 after six Tests against the West Indies and Sri Lanka.
England have made it clear they are trying to forge a side capable of taking on their biggest rivals in their own back yard in 2025/26 and Smith's dashing introduction has marked him out for that journey.
After a short break he will join up with the ODI squad for his first meeting with the old enemy and hopes to use the chance to his advantage.
"I'm seeing it as a great chance to face the Australians because 18 months down the line you're potentially going to be facing them again," he said.
"I'm just looking forward to that next challenge. I'm pretty unexposed at international level, so every team you come up against seems to be against new people. They're learning about you but you're also learning about them, so if I can get a good sight of a few of their bowlers now ... Every little helps, every little experience you can get of them will help me move forward."
Smith has risen rapidly in recent months, progressing swiftly from one to watch to a possible all-format cornerstone.
This time last year he was still awaiting his full international debut - which came a few days later in a low-key clash against Ireland - and was nowhere to be seen in a list of 33 players awarded central contracts of varying values by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
With a new set of contracts due to be announced in the coming weeks his stock is high and rising. As well as a handy pay rise, it also means the exhausting schedule Smith threw himself into this year should relent.
"It's a slightly unique situation that I've been full at it since back in April and played nine Championship games in the lead up to these six Test matches. It is full on," he explained.
"That's 15 first-class games, plus T20s and The Hundred. It's been a lot. Hopefully, moving forward, if things align and you can get a central contract, you might be able to ease that schedule a little bit so you're coming in a little bit fresher."
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