Selectors Keep Door Open for Steve Smith’s T20I Return as Olympics 2028 Dream Alive

Australia’s selectors said Steve Smith remained in contention for T20I cricket as the veteran continued his strong BBL form while targeting a potential return ahead of the LA Olympics 2028.

Australia’s selectors have not completely ruled out Steve Smith’s return to T20I cricket, although the veteran batter will need several factors to fall in his favour to realise his long-term Olympic ambition.

Smith has once again been in sensational form in the Big Bash League, scoring a blistering 42-ball century at the SCG before following it up with 54 off 40 balls against Brisbane Heat. His performances helped the Sydney Sixers qualify for the Qualifier final.

Despite his red-hot form, Smith has not played a T20I since early 2024. Unlike the ODI format, however, he has not announced his retirement from T20Is, with his major goal being selection for the LA Olympics in 2028, when he will be 39.

Australia’s selectors recently added batting reinforcements for the three-match T20I series in Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup, but Smith did not receive a late call-up. Australia have already named their provisional World Cup squad, and while changes are allowed until January 31, selectors have indicated that only injuries would force alterations. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head remain locked in as openers, with Australia also coming off a strong run of T20 form.

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Chair of selectors George Bailey acknowledged Smith’s form but highlighted the depth in Australia’s batting. “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.”

Steve Smith on His Current Stature

Smith missed the previous T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, despite opening in his last four T20Is — the only times he has opened in the format for Australia. After the match against Brisbane Heat, Smith spoke candidly about his current situation.

“I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments,” he said. “But I think that ship’s 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.

“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.”

Since his last appearance for Australia, Smith has averaged 51.18 in T20 cricket, including the Hundred, at a strike rate of 156. In five BBL innings during this period, he has scored two centuries and two half-centuries. All four of his BBL hundreds have come as an opener, even though most of his international career was spent batting at No. 3 or No. 4. His overall T20I strike rate stands at 125.45.

Smith explained how his role has evolved over time. “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.”

Smith also explained how regular franchise cricket helps him stay sharp in the shortest format. “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.”

Smith is set to have at least two more innings for the Sydney Sixers this week. If they beat the Perth Scorchers on Tuesday, they will host the final at the SCG. If not, they will play the Challenger on Thursday for another chance to reach the decider. After the BBL, Smith’s next assignment is expected to be Major League Cricket in June and July.