Steven Smith still in Australia's T20I plans as both set sight on LA Olympics

Australia’s selectors have not formally closed the door on Steven Smith's T20I career, even though the veteran batter currently sits outside the national setup. While Smith has not featured in T20 internationals since early 2024, he has not announced retirement from the format and continues to target a place in Australia’s squad for the 2028 Olympics, to be held in Los Angeles, where cricket is also all set to return.

A prolific run in the Big Bash League, where Smith was a late entrant, has strengthened his case for a return to the T20I setup. The New South Wales batter produced back-to-back standout performances for the Sydney Sixers. The 35-year-old blasted a 41-ball century at the Sydney Cricket Ground before following it up with 54 off 40 against Brisbane Heat, helping the Sixers secure a place in the Qualifier.

Despite his form, Smith was not included in Australia’s squad for the three-match T20I series in Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup, nor did selectors make a late call-up. Australia have already named their provisional World Cup squad, which can be altered until January 31, but changes are expected only in the event of injuries, with Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head locked in as opening options.

Chairman of selectors George Bailey acknowledged Smith’s outstanding domestic form while pointing to the depth Australia currently possesses. Bailey also noted Smith’s versatility and impact whenever he returns to domestic cricket.

"It's a great problem to have, isn't it? He's playing incredibly well, as he has done in the BBL for the last couple of years, in a position that we've got really good coverage in. But if there were moving parts and something was required around there, no doubt his name would be in the mix," Bailey said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"I'd hate to put a line through saying that Steve couldn't bat anywhere else, because I think he's proven us wrong, or he's proved his ability to be able to do that on a number of occasions. I think when he's had international opportunities of late, it has been at the top. Certainly, his most recent ones have been. He's played a lot of international T20 cricket. Clearly, when he goes back to the Big Bash, he is a level above," he added.

Smith, who missed the previous T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, last played T20Is as an opener, the only time he has batted at the top of the order in the format for Australia. Speaking after the game against the Heat, he was candid about his immediate prospects while reiterating his long-term goal.

"I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments. But I think that ship's sailed. I reckon they've got two opening batters that are doing pretty well. I'm relaxed, doing what I can here and having some fun. My main goal, as I've said before, is to get in the team when the Olympics is rolling around. I'd be keen to do that. That'd be pretty cool. Keep doing what I'm doing and you never know,” Smith quoted.

Since his last appearance for Australia, the Sydney-born has averaged 51.18 in T20 cricket (including The Hundred) at a strike rate of 156. In his last five BBL innings, the veteran has registered two centuries and two half-centuries, with all four of his BBL hundreds coming as an opener. Internationally, however, the bulk of Smith’s career was spent batting at No. 3 or No. 4, and his overall T20I strike rate stands at 125.45.

Reflecting on how his role has evolved, Smith explained the contrast between his earlier international responsibilities and his current freedom at the top of the order.

"I've played some different roles. A lot of the time when I was playing, I was the guy that had to stick it together in the middle. If there were a couple of early wickets I'd have to be the one to rebuild. I wasn't always the go out and play freely kind of player. It was a different kind of role. Since opening the batting, it gives me an opportunity to just be free from ball one, see it as I see it and take it on and have some fun out there," he added.

One of the reasons behind Smith’s decision to retire from ODIs after last year’s Champions Trophy was to create space for more franchise cricket, including stints in Major League Cricket and the Men's Hundred. During the previous off-season, spent largely in New York, Smith undertook extensive strength work, visibly adding muscle. He also explained why regular franchise cricket has become central to maintaining rhythm.

"I'm trying to get a bit stronger and hit the ball a little bit further. I've got to try and keep up with some of the guys that hit the ball a mile. But honestly, I don't think a lot's changed. I've had the opportunity now just to open the batting. Obviously, starting with two out it kind of suits me. I hit the ball to some unique areas. It's nice to bat up top like most people want to do," he said.

"I stopped playing one-day cricket to play a few more franchise things, so I can just keep playing this format more and getting the rhythm of the game. It can be tough sometimes when you come and play three games and then go away and play another three games in six months' time. So to be able to play some consistent games and just get the rhythm of the game, that's pretty important,” he concluded.