Australia’s selectors have not ruled out Steven Smith’s return to T20 Internationals, although the star batsman will need a lot to go his way to realize his dream of representing Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Smith has again shone in the Big Bash League (BBL), scoring a 42-ball century at the SCG, followed by a 40-ball 54 against the Brisbane Heat to help the Sydney Sixers reach the qualifying finals.
Although he has not featured in T20Is since the start of 2024, Smith is not retiring from the format, with his ultimate goal being to compete in the Olympics at the age of 39.
The selectors recently called for 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 although changes can be made until January 31, only injuries will change the current plans, with Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head firmly at the top of the line-up.
“It’s a big problem, isn’t it?” said Australian selectors George Bailey. “Steven has been incredibly good in the BBL over the last couple of years, but we’ve got strong coverage at that position. If there are moving parts and the need arises, there’s no doubt his name will be in the mix.”
Smith, who missed the previous T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, has started his last four T20s – the only occasions he has done so for Australia.
After a recent Heat game, he said: “I’ve always wanted to play in big tournaments for Australia, but I think that ship has sailed. Their two opening batsmen are doing well. I’m relaxed, enjoying what I’m doing here and having fun. My main goal is the Olympics – that would be great. Keep doing what I’m doing, you never know.”
Since last representing Australia, Smith has averaged 51.18 including a century at a strike-rate of 156 in T20 cricket.
In five PPL innings during this period, he has scored two centuries and two half-centuries, with all four of his centuries coming as an opener. At international level, he has spent most of his career at No.3 or No.4, with an overall T20I strike-rate of 125.45.
About this, Smith said, “I have played different roles. “Mostly I had to stick it together in the middle and rebuild after the early wickets. Now opening gives me the freedom to see the ball and enjoy myself.”
Bailey added: “I wouldn’t rule out Steven batting anywhere else. He has proven his mettle on many occasions. His most recent international T20 opportunities have been top notch and he is clearly on top 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 Major League Cricket (MLC) and The Hundred. He spent the off-season in New York, where he is now not playing, working on strength and bulking up significantly.
“I’m trying to get stronger and hit the ball more to hold off some big hitters. It’s nice to open up and play freely,” he said. “I stopped playing one-day cricket to focus on franchise matches and maintain rhythm. It’s very important to continue playing in this format.”
Smith will have at least two more innings this week with six. If they beat the Perth Scorchers on Tuesday, they will host the final at the SCG; If not, they will get a second chance by playing the challenger on Thursday.
After the BBL, Smith’s next appearance is likely to be in the MLC in June and July.