Ahead of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith has addressed the growing chatter around his retirement. Despite persistent rumors that he might be nearing the end of his illustrious career, Smith played down the speculation, insisting that his focus remains entirely on the upcoming match beginning January 4.
Steve Smith opens up on retirement plans ahead of fifth Ashes Test
The veteran batter, widely regarded as the finest red-ball player of his generation, has faced increased scrutiny due to a statistical dip. After 2019, Smith boasted a staggering career average of 62.84; however, that figure has since settled at 55.85 over 122 matches. While he maintained a healthy average above 50 during the 2021, 2022, and 2025 seasons, he has struggled to replicate the sheer, match-defining dominance that characterized his peak years.
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I’m taking it day by day, series by series: Smith
Addressing the media in Sydney, the 35-year-old emphasized that he has not established a definitive timeline for his departure from international cricket. Adopting a pragmatic approach, Smith explained that he is currently taking his career 'day by day' and 'series by series', suggesting that as long as he remains competitive, retirement is not an immediate priority.
“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 and I’m enjoying it,” Smith said during the pre-match press conference.
In a definitive turn for Australian cricket, Smith officially announced his ODI retirement. The decision follows Australia's exit from the 2025 Champions Trophy, where a semi-final loss to India served as the final chapter of his storied career. While the news marks the end of an era for the legendary batter, it concludes a journey that saw him redefine the standards of modern batsmanship.
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Reflecting on his departure, Smith spoke candidly about his responsibilities as one of the squad's most senior figures. He emphasized that his final contributions to the team were focused on mentorship—guiding the next generation of players and sharing the vast tactical knowledge he gained over years of Test match dominance. For Smith, ensuring a smooth transition as the Australian side continues to evolve was just as vital as his performances with the bat.
“It’s been great to be a part of, and now, as an older player, hopefully I can help some of the players coming through and teach them the game of Test cricket. I guess that’s my role now,” Smith added.
Statistically, Smith’s output over the last four years has been robust, even if it lacks the supernatural consistency of his prime. Since the start of 2022, he has amassed 3,376 runs across 47 matches (83 innings), maintaining a healthy average of 46.88. This period has seen him notch ten centuries and 15 half-centuries, proving he remains a prolific force in the Australian middle order.
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