Though he has no intentions to retire, Steven Smith hasn’t ruled out trying to represent Australia at the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. T20 is probably a format he plays in longer than others.
With the signing of a new three-year contract, Smith will play professional cricket with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Basin League until at least 2026–2027. If he was to be realistic about competing in the Olympics the next year after being left out of the T20 World Cup this year, he would have to push his way back into Australia’s T20 lineup.
“I could still be playing T20 cricket in four years, so you never know,” he stated. “Given the global franchise content, I envision myself participating in this format for a lot longer than some of the others. Since I signed up for three years, there won’t be much more time after that. It would be awesome to compete in the Olympics.”
For Smith, though, things continue as they are with regard to the several foreign arrangements. “I don’t have any plans,” the man declared. “I’m just enjoying playing at the moment, I’m pretty relaxed and looking forward to this summer.”
Smith is more concerned about the impending overseas schedule right now. After being left out of the T20Is once more, he will play in the ODIs in England the following month before the major event of India’s visit. Smith is excited about the idea of taking on India over a five-match series, despite speculation over whether he will continue to open Test matches for Australia.
Although there has been enough of drama in the previous four-match matches, this will be the first time the two sides have faced off across five Tests since 1991–1992. After losing to India in the home series in 2014–15, Australia is looking to win the Border–Gavaskar Trophy back for the first time in a decade.
“You can’t really hide in a five-Test series like you probably can in a two-match series for instance,” Smith stated. “It might be difficult to recover after being burned by someone. It’s going to be an amazing television show.
“Right now in Test cricket, we are arguably the two best teams. Last year, we faced them in the World Test Championship final and prevailed. Hopefully, we can reverse the trend; they’ve been fantastic out here the past couple of times, playing very terrific cricket. We must win the Border-Gavaskar trophy this year as it has been eleven years since we last did it.”
Smith will begin the batting order against players like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj if Australia sticks to the lineup that has existed since David Warner’s retirement in January. Smith was moved up the order when he expressed his desire for the position to the selectors. Smith has the opportunity to surpass 10,000 runs this summer. Cameron Green was also able to return at a more natural No. 4, although Smith’s performance in four Test matches was inconsistent, scoring 171 runs at a 28.50 average, which featured an incredible 91 runs without a loss against the West Indies.
Since Smith will play some Sheffield Shield cricket before the India series, it’s sure to be a hot issue for the next several months.
“I’ve talked to people so far, and they say we’re going to England. I’m here for the one-dayers, and then I’ll make a choice,” he declared. “Conversations are taking place in the background. You’ve noticed certain remarks where individuals like Usman [Khawaja] have stated that they prefer me at number four, and they believe Marnus shares their mentality. We’ll watch and see. Anywhere I can bat, I’m pleased.
It’s simply a position to me. I may be in after two balls if I bat at number four. I confronted the fresh ball on many occasions when I arrived early. It’s kind of just a number to me. We lost wickets in the opening over as I batted at three for a considerable amount of time. Nevertheless, I would eventually come out and score runs. The only thing I really had to get accustomed to was how quickly ten minutes passes when you get off the field, especially considering how much time I spend scrubbing about in the changing rooms.”
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