Steve Smith drops retirement hint, says ‘I don’t even know if I’ll be there yet’ on next Ashes

Steve Smith has admitted that he is unsure whether he will be part of Australia’s next Ashes campaign in England, leaving the door open to a possible Test retirement before the series. The veteran batter, who is 37, remains an important part of Australia’s red-ball setup but revealed that he is now taking his Test career on a series-by-series basis.

Smith has unfinished business in England, having never been part of an Australian team that won an Ashes series on English soil. Australia retained the urn after the 2019 and 2023 series ended 2-2, but their last Ashes series win in England came back in 2001.

However, despite his desire to finally win an Ashes series in England, Smith is not looking that far ahead at this stage.

“I don’t even know if I’ll be there yet,” Smith told The Telegraph, when asked about the prospect of another Ashes campaign in England.

“I’m kind of a series-by-series proposition, as I’ve been for a while, and that’s still a fair way away for me right now. So, yeah, I’d love to win one there or to have won one there, but you wait and see if that comes to fruition,” he added.

Smith has his eyes on the 2028 Olympics

Smith made the comments while representing Amsterdam Flames in the European T20 Premier League in Dublin. While Australia continues their Test commitments, the veteran appears to have another major target in mind for the latter stages of his career.

Cricket will return to the Olympic Games at the 2028 Los Angeles edition after a 128-year absence, with T20 competitions scheduled for both men and women. Smith will be 39 by then but has expressed his desire to remain in contention for Australia’s squad.

His decision to continue playing franchise and T20 cricket is also linked to that ambition. Smith explained that playing in Europe gives him an opportunity to get more T20 cricket under his belt while also sharing his experience with younger and associate players.

“Right now probably it’s just the Olympics to try to be a part of that,” Smith said of the major goal still left on his career checklist.

“One of the reasons why I wanted to play with Amsterdam here was just to continue playing as much T20 cricket as I can. I was keen immediately to come and play in a new market and, hopefully, share some experiences with the local players and associate players: share a dressing room with them and try to impart some of my knowledge on to them. It’s been really good.”

Smith yet to decide what comes after Test cricket

Smith’s uncertainty comes despite an outstanding Test career. In 125 matches, the right-hander has scored 37 centuries and averages 54, establishing himself as one of the finest batters of his generation.

However, the Australian has no fixed retirement date in mind and believes he could continue playing T20 cricket even after calling time on his Test career. He also remains undecided about whether coaching could be part of his future.

“I still like to think I could play T20 cricket for a while,” he said.

“What’s next for me when I finish? I’m not sure, but yeah, hopefully a bit more time left playing. I’ve achieved a lot in the game. It’s been a great ride for the last 15 years or thereabouts. I’ve had a lot of fun. I’m still enjoying it, so I don’t have an end date, we’ll wait and see. But it’s been a good ride.”

Smith faces busy Test schedule

For now, Smith remains focused on Australia’s Test commitments. The team has entered a packed phase of the red-ball calendar, with 20 Tests scheduled across 11 months and a potential 21st if Australia qualify for the World Test Championship final.

Following their recent series against Bangladesh, Australia are set to travel to South Africa for a three-match Test series. Smith could also face a change in his batting position, with chairman of selectors George Bailey suggesting that the veteran could move from his long-standing No. 4 spot to No. 3.