Steven Smith Keeps Olympic Dreams Alive

Steven Smith has not dismissed the possibility of vying for a spot in Australia's squad for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, especially if T20 cricket is included as a format. While he has no immediate retirement plans, Smith indicated that T20 could be the format he plays longer than others.

Smith recently inked a three-year contract extension with Sydney Sixers in the BBL, ensuring his professional cricket career continues at least until the 2026-27 season. However, to realistically aim for the Olympics the following year, he would need to earn his way back into Australia’s T20 setup, as he was left out of the squad for this year’s T20 World Cup.

Smith noted that he might still be playing T20 cricket in four years, leaving the door open for Olympic participation. He sees himself continuing in the T20 format for a longer period, especially with opportunities in global franchise leagues. Having signed a three-year deal with the Sixers, he mentioned that it would only be another year after that until the Olympics, and he expressed interest in being part of such a prestigious event. As for his international career, Smith stated that he has no immediate plans for retirement and is simply enjoying playing cricket at the moment.

In the near term, Smith is focused on Australia’s upcoming international fixtures. He will rejoin the squad for the ODIs in England next month, followed by a highly anticipated five-Test series against India. This series marks the first time since 1991-92 that Australia and India will face off in a five-match Test series, with Australia eager to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they haven’t won since the 2014-15 series on home soil.

Smith noted the unique challenges of a five-Test series, where consistency is key, and any weaknesses can be exposed over such a lengthy contest. He acknowledged that Australia and India are currently the two best teams in Test cricket, noting their victory over India in last year’s World Test Championship final. Smith expressed hope that Australia could turn the tables after India’s strong performances in recent series down under.

Regarding the ongoing debate about his batting position, Smith indicated that he is comfortable batting anywhere in the lineup. If Australia maintains their current order following David Warner’s retirement, Smith could open the batting against India’s formidable pace attack, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj. Despite mixed results in his recent stint as an opener, including an unbeaten 91 against West Indies, Smith remains open to any role the team requires.

Smith mentioned that discussions about his position are ongoing, and a final decision will likely be made after the ODI series in England. He acknowledged that some teammates, like Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, prefer him batting at No. 4, but he is willing to bat wherever needed. For Smith, the batting order is just a number, as he has often come in early in innings throughout his career and adapted to different situations.

Smith also noted the challenge of quickly adjusting to batting after fielding, especially with his usual pre-batting routine in the dressing room, but he remains focused on contributing to the team’s success wherever he is placed in the order.