CANBERRA, JAN 19: Australia’s selectors have not ruled out a return for Steven Smith in T20 Internationals, though the star batter will need plenty to go his way if he is to realise his dream of representing Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Smith has once again shone in the Big Bash League (BBL), scoring a 42-ball century at the SCG followed by 54 off 40 deliveries against Brisbane Heat, helping Sydney Sixers reach the Qualifier final.
Despite not featuring in T20Is since early 2024, Smith has not retired from the format, with his ultimate goal being Olympic participation at the age of 39.
Selectors recently called up batting reinforcements for Australia’s three-match series in Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup, but Smith was not contacted.
The provisional World Cup squad has been announced and, while changes can still be made until 31 January, only injuries are likely to alter the current plans, with Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head firmly established at the top of the order.
“It’s a great problem to have, isn’t it?” said Australian chairman of selectors George Bailey. “Steven’s been playing incredibly well in the BBL over the last couple of years, but we’ve got strong coverage in that position. If there were moving parts and a need arose, no doubt his name would be in the mix.”
Smith, who missed the previous T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, opened in his last four T20Is — the only occasions he did so for Australia.
After the recent Heat game, he reflected: “I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments, but I think that ship’s sailed. They’ve got two opening batters doing well. I’m relaxed, enjoying what I’m doing here, and having some fun. My main goal remains the Olympics — that would be pretty cool. Keep doing what I’m doing and you never know.”
Since last representing Australia, Smith has averaged 51.18 in T20 cricket, including the Hundred, at a strike-rate of 156.
In five BBL innings during this period, he has scored two centuries and two half-centuries, all four of his hundreds coming as an opener. Internationally, the majority of his career has been spent at No. 3 or 4, with an overall T20I strike-rate of 125.45.
“I’ve played different roles,” Smith said. “Often I had to stick it together in the middle, rebuild after early wickets. Opening now gives me the freedom from ball one to play how I see it and enjoy myself.”
Bailey added: “I wouldn’t rule out Steven batting anywhere else. He’s proven his ability on numerous occasions. His most recent international T20 opportunities have been at the top, and he’s clearly a level above when he returns to the Big Bash.”
Smith retired from ODIs after last year’s Champions Trophy to free up time for franchise cricket, including stints in Major League Cricket (MLC) and The Hundred. He spent the off-season in New York, where he now lives when not playing, working on strength and noticeably bulking up.
“I’m trying to get stronger and hit the ball further to keep up with some of the big hitters. It’s nice to open and play freely,” he said. “I stopped playing one-day cricket to focus on franchise tournaments and maintain rhythm. Playing consistently in this format is really important.”
Smith will have at least two more innings with the Sixers this week. If they beat Perth Scorchers on Tuesday, they will host the final at the SCG; otherwise, they will play the Challenger on Thursday for a second chance at the decider.
After the BBL, Smith’s next appearance is likely in the MLC in June and July.
