Steve Smith dismisses speculations about his retirement
What's the story
Australian cricket stalwart Steve Smith has dismissed any speculation about his retirement. The 35-year-old recently committed to a three-year contract with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL). This agreement could provide him with the opportunity to participate in up to four BBL matches during the upcoming home summer. These games are scheduled between Australia's final Test against India and their tour of Sri Lanka.
Unwavering dedication
Smith's commitment to cricket remains strong
Despite his exclusion from Australia's Twenty20 World Cup squad, Smith remains committed to playing across all formats. "I don't have any plans, I'm just enjoying playing at the moment. I'm pretty relaxed and I'm looking forward to this summer," he told reporters on Tuesday. He also expressed his enthusiasm for making the most of every opportunity in the BBL games this year.
Test speculation
Smith's future in Test cricket
Smith's role in Test cricket has been under scrutiny, especially after David Warner's retirement from Tests post the Pakistan series. Despite a modest return of 171 runs in eight innings at an average of 28.25 against the West Indies and New Zealand, Smith remains optimistic about his future in this format. There is ongoing speculation about whether he will continue to open the batting in the upcoming five-Test series against India.
Batting position
Smith hints at returning to familiar batting position
Smith hinted that his teammates might prefer him to return to his familiar number four position in the upcoming series against India. "The conversations I've had so far are that we'll go to England and the boys will have the T20s, and then I'm there for the one-dayers and we'll make a decision after that," he said. This statement suggests a potential shift in strategy for Australia's batting order.
Stats
Here are Smith's Test numbers
Smith owns 9,685 runs runs from 109 Tests at an average of 56.97, including 32 centuries and 41 fifties. Earlier this year, he completed 16,000 runs in international cricket. As per ESPNcricinfo, Smith's average is the second-highest among batters with at least 9,000 Test runs. He is the fourth-highest run-getter for Australia in Tests, only behind Ricky Ponting (13,378), Allan Border (11,174), and Steve Waugh (10,927).