After batting champion Steve Smith dispelled retirement speculations on Friday during the third Test against the Proteas, the Australian cricket team may sigh with relief. After Smith said, “I honestly can’t predict how long I’ll play for,” following his 30th Test century, the rumors of his retirement gained momentum. He has refuted those allegations, saying he has no immediate plans to retire. After scoring his 30th century at the SCG during the third and final Test of the series against the Proteas, Steve Smith surpassed the legendary Don Bradman’s previous mark of 29 hundred. But after giving a mysterious press conference that hinted at his future, the batting champion caused a commotion.
Smith clarified the situation following the media kerfuffle surrounding his retirement in the most recent interview with Fox Sports. He is eager for the next assignments and has no immediate intentions to retire. “I’m always very cryptic with that (retirement) stuff. But I’m not going anywhere, I’m comfortable with where everything is at, we’ve got a few good tours coming up, I’m excited, and I’m still trying to get better. Whilst I still have that hunger and eagerness to try and improve, particularly to help some of the batters coming through … while I’m doing all that I’m enjoying myself and I have no plans for retirement,” the former skipper said during the rain delay on Friday.
This is not the first time the 33-year-old has sparked concerns about his future; in November, a candid interview sparked thoughts that he might be retiring. The Australian player said he was “definitely closer to the end than the start,” although he did not specify when he would retire. “No, I don’t have a plan, but I’m 33 now. I’ve been playing international cricket for 13 years. It’s been a long time. I’m still enjoying it, but I’m certainly closer to the end than the start, that’s for sure,” he told The Daily Telegraph in November.
