Australian batting legend Steve Smith has no plans to hang up his boots anytime soon. The veteran cricketer has set his sights on representing Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will return in the T20 format.
Smith, who recently made headlines with a dazzling century for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL), expressed his desire to play in the global event. “I would like to play in the Olympics; I think it would be great,” Smith told FOX Sports.
A memorable return to T20 cricket
Smith’s return to T20 cricket has been spectacular. Playing for the Sydney Sixers, he scored 121 off just 64 balls against the Perth Scorchers at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). His innings, which included 10 fours and seven sixes, had a strike rate of 189.06. This was his third century in the BBL, putting him level with Ben McDermott for the most centuries in the tournament’s history.
Despite his recent T20I struggles, Smith’s performances in the domestic and franchise leagues have been top-notch. Since 2023, he has scored 950 runs in 21 T20 innings at an impressive average of 59.37, including three centuries and six fifties.
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir’s coaching staff under scrutiny as BCCI’s post-Champions Trophy plans reviewed
Smith’s stellar career in T20 leagues
Smith’s stint in US Major League Cricket (MLC) was another highlight of his recent T20 journey. He led Washington Freedom to a title-winning run in the 2024 MLC, scoring 336 runs in nine matches at an average of 56.00 and a strike rate of 148.67.
His ability to adapt and excel in different conditions has made him a sought-after player in T20 leagues around the world. In the BBL, Smith has continued to show his class, cementing his status as one of the most reliable batsmen in the format.
Plans beyond traditional formats
Smith, known for his prowess in Test cricket, is now focusing more on the shorter formats. “We’ll see how far I go in terms of long format cricket. But I’m going to play short format cricket for a while, I think when I’m done,” he said.
The 33-year-old is aware of the competition from younger players, but remains motivated to continue performing at the highest level. “There are a lot of good young men who are hitting the ball out of the park. There are other guys around the country taking a swing at it,” he added.
Stay up to date with all the cricket action, follow Cricadio in WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and instagram