Steve Smith opens up on retirement plans

Steve Smith, Australia’s stand-in captain, has rejected retirement chatter ahead of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 4. Frequently praised as one of the best red-ball batters of his generation, Smith has faced a relative slump in recent seasons.

At the end of 2019, Smith had an outstanding Test average of 62.84, highlighting his exceptional consistency over a long stretch of matches. Since then, his average has fallen to 55.85 after 122 Tests.

Smith has continued to average over 50 in 2021, 2022, and 2025, but he has not yet reached the same level of match-changing dominance that characterised the height of his career.

Ahead of the Sydney Test, Steve Smith clarified that retirement is not something he is considering at the moment. He mentioned that he is taking a “day by day, series by series” approach, without any set plans for retiring from international cricket.

“I honestly don’t know what my plans are even a week from now. I’ve been saying for some time that I’m just focusing on the present, taking it one series at a time. We’ll see how it unfolds. Right now, I feel good, I’m enjoying myself, and I’m contributing to the team. There isn’t a fixed finish line for me as long as I’m playing and having fun, I’m happy,” Smith said.

After Australia’s semi-final defeat to India ended their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, Smith announced his retirement from white-ball cricket. He later highlighted his role within the group, stressing the need to support younger teammates and transfer his experience of Test cricket during a period of change for the team.

“It’s been a fantastic experience, and at this stage of my career, I hope I can support the younger guys coming into the team and pass on what I’ve learned about Test cricket. That’s how I see my role now,” he said.

Over the last four years, Steve Smith has amassed 3,376 runs across 47 appearances, maintaining an average just under 47, with ten centuries and 15 half-centuries to his name. That consistency, however, has not fully carried into the current Ashes, where his returns have been modest by his own benchmarks, managing 136 runs from three Tests with one fifty.

Tasked with leading Australia in Pat Cummins’ absence, Smith captained the side in three matches, recording two victories and one loss. With the series nearing its conclusion, he will be aiming to deliver a decisive performance in the Sydney Test and help Australia secure a 4–1 result.