- Cricket star Steve Smith has opened up on when he could retire from cricket
- The Australian batsman revealed he is also aiming to play at one new event
Steve Smith has no plans to retire any time soon, so long as he is still enjoying his cricket and scoring runs for Australia.
But as Australia’s Test side quietly enters a transitionary period, Smith, 36, has reflected on his future in the game and revealed why he gave up One Day cricket.
The Australian batsman, who has amassed a whopping 10,271 runs across 116 Test Matches, also revealed the lengths he is taking to ensure he can continue playing at the top level – notably hiring a personal trainer.
Speaking to The Courier Mail, Smith admitted he feels ‘as strong as I’ve ever been’ adding that he’s looking to increase his power.
The New South Wales star was also pressed on when he could plan to hang up his pads.
And having won countless trophies, toured all over the world and broken records, there is one thing that the Aussie batsman wants to do before he hangs up his pads – play for Australia at the 2028 LA Olympics.
Cricket great Steve Smith (pictured with partner Dani) has opened up on when he could retire
Smith says so long as he is continuing to enjoy his cricket and play well, he’ll keep playing for as long as possible
It comes as he is looking to help Australia defend their World Test Championship title this week at Lord’s against South Africa
‘As long as I’m contributing to the team and I’m having fun there’s no reason to stop,’ Smith told The Courier Mail, ahead of a World Test Championship Final against South Africa.
‘I’ve spoken to quite a few people around retirement and around what it looks like and everybody was basically just saying the same: “You’re a long time retired”.
Weary of going on for too long but also keen to continue scoring runs, Smith, who also lives in New York with his partner Dani Willis, opened up on his ambition of playing in Los Angeles.
‘I’ve got to try and make it last while I can and I’m living my dream I suppose. I’m doing everything I’ve loved to do and everything I’ve wanted to do for my whole life. Why cut it short I suppose? Keep trying to do it for as long as I can.
He added: ‘Now I’ve got other ambitions and goals. One day it is to play the Olympics which I’d love to do.’
Cricket has only been played at a Summer Games once before at the Paris Olympics in 1900.
Great Britain’s Devon and Somerset Wanderers were crowned gold medallists, while teams from Britain and France both entered.
Smith reasoned that his shock decision to step back from ODI cricket in March was due to his ambitions to improve his ball striking in the T20 format and play in Los Angeles.
Smith has also been grinding hard in the gym lately as he bids to improve on his fitness and strength to play at the Los Angeles Olympics
Smith revealed his decision to step down from ODI cricket was so that he could focus on T20
Smith had also revealed that he was keen to open up a space in the ODI squad for other young and emerging stars coming through the ranks.
‘That was pretty much the reason why I let go of one-day cricket to be able to play a bit more T20.
‘To be able to push my name forward for that Olympics team, that’s my next goal.
‘I feel like I’ve achieved a lot amongst the other formats and that’s probably the one format internationally I haven’t quite nailed. That’s my No 1 goal.’
