Australia’s modern-day great Steve Smith continued to face snub from selectors. Retired from ODIs to focus on T20Is, reinvented his game by incorporating power-hitting, the 36-year-old couldn’t even find a spot in the 17-man T20I squad for Pakistan tour which is missing several rested and injured players. Smith recently scored a 42-ball 100 for Sydney Sixers against Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL). He even showcased his power-hitting with a 32-run over including a 107-metre six that hit the roof. Chief selector George Bailey kept the door ajar for Smith’s return but explained that he is scoring in top-order where Australia already have their bases covered.
"It's a great problem to have, isn't it?" Bailey said. "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."
ALSO READ: Massive setback for Australia! Pat Cummins to miss at least 2 T20 World Cup 2026 group stage games
The designated Australia openers are skipper Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head. At no.3, they have Cameron Green who was impressive in the T20Is played in 2025. However, Matt Renshaw has returned to the T20I squad. Renshaw’s 51-ball 102 in the record-breaking BBL run chase came at no.3, a role Smith could’ve played as well.
Smith is keen to play big tournaments for Australia and also expressed his desire to play the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. Smith averages over 150 and strikes at over 150 since his last T20I appearance for Australia. He had revealed that batting at no.3 or no.4 meant that he was rebuilding the innings for Australia rather than batting freely and attacking from ball one.
"I've played some different roles. 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," Smith said.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli breaks Chris Gayle's unwanted run chase record with 54th ODI century
Baily says ‘Smith’s proven us wrong’
Meanwhile, Bailey has admitted that Smith proved the selectors wrong with his ability. It is only that Smith has excelled as an opener where the selectors don't see a place for him yet.
"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 explained.
Smith retired from ODIs to focus on T20s
Smith captained Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 where they were knocked out in the semifinal. He retired from ODIs to play more franchise cricket and improve his T20 game. But, a place in the T20Is continues to eludes him.
"I'm trying to get a bit stronger and hit the ball a little bit further," he said. "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."
"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. 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."
After yet another snub, Smith will be seen in action in the BBL. On January 20, he will go up against Perth Scorchers in Qualifier clash.