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Steve Smith Dismisses Retirement Talk, Focused on Enjoying Cricket Day by Day

Steve Smith has firmly dismissed speculation about his Test retirement ahead of the final Ashes Test in Sydney. The stand-in captain stated he is taking his career "day by day, series by series" and has set no end date, emphasizing he is still enjoying playing and contributing. Smith highlighted the collective success of the Australian team in recent years, with different players standing up at crucial times. He also outlined his evolving role as a senior player focused on mentoring the next generation in Test cricket.

Key Points: Steve Smith Brushes Off Retirement Talks Ahead of SCG Ashes Test

  • Dismisses retirement speculation
  • Taking career "day by day, series by series"
  • Emphasizes enjoying and contributing
  • Highlights role mentoring younger players
2 min read

"No real end date for me": Steve Smith brushes aside Test retirement talks ahead of SCG Ashes Test

Steve Smith dismisses retirement speculation, stating he has "no real end date" and is enjoying his cricket ahead of the final Ashes Test in Sydney.

"There's no real end date for me, I suppose. I'm still playing. I'm enjoying it. - Steve Smith"

Sydney, January 3

Steve Smith, Australia's stand-in captain in the ongoing Ashes series, dismissed the retirement speculations ahead of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting January 4.

Widely regarded as one of the best red-ball batters in cricket, Smith has endured a dip in his form over recent years, at least by his own standards.

Smith averaged over 70 in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019. Although Smith averaged over 50 in 2021, 2022, and 2025, he hasn't delivered the kind of impact that originally defined his reputation, leading to speculation about retirement.

However, speaking ahead of the Sydney Test, Smith said he's taking his career "day by day, series by series" and hasn't set an end date, adding that he is enjoying playing, contributing and having fun.

"I don't know. I don't know what I'm doing at the end of this week. I've said it for a while. I'm taking it day by day, series by series. We'll see where things land. I feel like I'm doing all right at the moment. I'm enjoying it. I'm contributing and having fun. There's no real end date for me, I suppose. I'm still playing. I'm enjoying it," Smith said during the pre-match press conference on Saturday.

Smith praised the team's collective effort over the past few years, highlighted his role as a senior player in mentoring younger teammates, and emphasised the shared contributions that have made the team successful recently.

"I think we've got a really good team. I think the team we've had over the last three or four years, obviously making two World Test Championship finals, different people have stood up at different times. It's never been one or two people just getting the job done. It's been shared across and guys have done great jobs throughout and I think that's what's made us a really good team. So it's been good to be a part of and, yeah, as an older player now, hopefully I can help some of the players coming through and help teach them the game of test cricket. I guess that's my role now," Smith added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Respectfully, I think the retirement talk is premature. His average is still over 50! The media creates these narratives too quickly. Let the man play in peace. His experience is invaluable for the younger players, as he himself said.
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Aditya G
As an Indian fan, I have a lot of respect for Smith. He's been a thorn in our side for years! 😅 But you have to admire his passion and technique. That said, his recent numbers against quality spin have been a bit shaky... maybe something for our bowlers to target next time!
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Sarah B
"Day by day, series by series" is a very mature approach. In a high-pressure sport, that's the only sustainable mindset. Wishing him well for the Sydney Test!
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Karthik V
His point about the team's collective success is key. Australia's strength has always been their system, not just one or two stars. Smith understands his role is evolving into a mentor. That's the sign of a true team player.
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Nikhil C
Honestly, the standards set for Smith are unreal. An average of 50+ is a dream career for anyone else. The guy is a legend. Let him retire on his own terms, when he feels it's time. No need for this constant speculation.

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