Steve Smith isn’t expecting a last-minute call-up to Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, but that hasn’t stopped him from dreaming big. Speaking after scoring 54 off 40 balls in the Sydney Sixers’ win over Brisbane Heat on Sunday, Smith made it clear that his long-term goal remains fixed on one particular event.
“My main goal, as I’ve said before, is to get in the team when the Olympics is rolling around. I’d be keen to do that. That’d be pretty cool. Keep doing what I’m doing, and you never know,” he said after the match, where his fluent knock helped power the Sixers deeper into the BBL playoffs.
Despite not being selected for the upcoming T20 World Cup or the three-match T20I series in Pakistan that precedes it, Smith seems at peace with his current role. “I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments. But I think that ship’s (T20 World Cup) sailed. I reckon they’ve got two opening batters that are doing pretty well. I’m relaxed doing what I can here and having some fun,” he added.
Olympic ambition outweighs World Cup disappointment
Smith’s clarity about the current pecking order at the top of Australia’s T20 setup doesn’t dilute his hunger to remain in contention, especially with cricket returning to the Olympics at LA 2028. At 36, the veteran batter continues to fine-tune his game, both technically and physically.
“I’m trying to get a bit stronger and hit the ball a little bit further,” Smith noted, highlighting the power game that has become vital in the shortest format. He continued, “I’ve got to try and keep up with some of the guys that hit the ball a mile. But honestly, I don’t think a lot’s changed. I’ve had the opportunity now just to open the batting. Obviously starting with two out it kind of suits me. I hit the ball to some unique areas. It’s nice to bat up top like most people want to do.”
Smith has embraced the freedom that comes with opening, a role that has redefined his T20 approach. “I’ve played some different roles,” he said. “A lot of the time when I was playing, I was the guy that had to stick it together in the middle. If there were a couple of early wickets I’d have to be the one to rebuild. I wasn’t always the go out and play freely kind of player. It was a different kind of role. Since opening the batting, it gives me an opportunity to just be free from ball one, see it as I see it and take it on and have some fun out there.”
Selector support offers flicker of hope
While Smith hasn’t featured in T20Is since early 2024, national selector George Bailey has not ruled out the possibility of his return if circumstances change. Speaking to reporters on Monday after Australia announced its squad for the Pakistan series, Bailey acknowledged Smith’s form and experience.
“It’s a great problem to have, isn’t it?” Bailey said when asked about the selection dilemma. “He’s playing incredibly well, as he has done in the BBL for the last couple of years, in a position that we’ve got really good coverage in. But if there were moving parts and something was required around there, no doubt his name would be in the mix.”
Bailey also noted Smith’s adaptability and the level at which he performs in domestic competitions. “I’d hate to put a line through saying that Steve couldn’t bat anywhere else, because I think he’s proven us wrong, or he’s proved his ability to be able to do that on a number of occasions. I think when he’s had international opportunities of late, it has been at the top. Certainly, his most recent ones have been. He’s played a lot of international T20 cricket. Clearly, when he goes back to the Big Bash, he is a level above,” Bailey added.
A shift in focus toward franchise cricket
Smith has also adjusted his priorities over the past year, stepping away from ODI cricket to commit more fully to T20 franchise competitions around the world.
“I stopped playing one-day cricket to play a few more franchise things so I can just keep playing this format more and getting the rhythm of the game,” Smith said. “It can be tough sometimes when you come and play three games and then go away and play another three games in six months time. So to be able to play some consistent games and just get the rhythm of the game, that’s pretty important.”
He has already played in The Hundred and Major League Cricket and is expected to return to MLC later this year after the BBL concludes. In the short term, Smith will aim to guide the Sixers to another BBL final. But looking further ahead, his sights remain firmly set on the ultimate stage — the 2028 Olympic Games.
