Is Steve Smith retiring? Latest news and updates for Australian Test batsman

Liam O'Loughlin

Is Steve Smith retiring? Latest news and updates for Australian Test batsman image

Steve Smith is regarded as one of the greatest Test batsmen of all-time, with his 32 centuries and countless big moments cementing him as Australia's lynchpin for the past decade. 

The 34-year-old has been a constant fixture since making his debut in the Baggy Green 13 years ago, helping his side to Ashes series victories and the recent World Test Championship triumph

Smith has also remained part of Australia's white-ball lineups and while there is likely more cricket behind him than in front of him, speculation regarding a potential retirement may be somewhat premature. 

The Sporting News has all the latest on Smith's future below. 

MORE: Usman Khawaja lifts the lid on Test retirement plans

When will Steve Smith retire from Test cricket?

Despite promo material from host broadcaster Channel 7 heading into the summer of cricket hinting that Smith could be stepping away from the game, the right-hander shut down any idea of an impending retirement in July.

Prior to the first Test against Pakistan, Smith also said he would look to increase his output in the home summer, but denied any necessity to change his technique or mindset. 

“I just take it day by day and enjoy my time playing... while I’m enjoying it, I’ll keep playing," he said.

"I’m not in any hurry to make any decisions or anything. I’m pretty relaxed and looking forward to the summer.

“I don’t have to reinvent the wheel. I think I’ve performed at a high standard for a long period of time,” Smith said in Perth. I was probably below my standards of what I want [this year]. 

“For me, it’s not overthinking it, not overplaying too much, not changing too much, just going out and trusting what I do and doing it for longer periods of time.”

Prior to the rumblings during the away series against England, Smith had given no indication on his potential retirement plans and has remained coy on the details of when he will step away from the international arena.

According to his manager Warren Craig, the right-hander is hopeful of featuring in the T20 World Cup next year, as well as the Test series on home soil against India. 

“I can debunk that at this point in time... he’s still talking about things he wants to achieve.” he told The Sydney Morning Herald prior to the series against Pakistan. 

David Warner is expected to hang up the boots at the conclusion of this year's Sydney Test against Pakistan, with his long-time partner in crime backing the decision.

"It's nice to have an end date, I suppose, if that's the way you want to go," Smith said.

"In an ideal world, I think Davey said that's when he'd like to pick it up."

How old is Steve Smith?

Smith is 34 years old and will turn 35 next June. 

Steve Smith Test career stats

Games Runs Average H.S 100s
102 9,320 58.61 239 32

 

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.