Australia batter Steve Smith has admitted that he is not in contention for a surprise return to the T20I setup ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. Smith revealed that his focus is on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, stating that continued strong performances could keep the possibility of an international comeback alive.
The 36-year-old has been in excellent form for the Sydney Sixers in the ongoing Big Bash League but has been left out of Australia’s preliminary squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. He was also not selected for the three-match T20 series against Pakistan, which will be Australia’s final series before the World Cup.
My Main Goal Is To Get In The Team For The Olympics – Steve Smith
Steve Smith said that his main goal is to represent Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Smith also accepted that his chances of returning for the T20 World Cup are unlikely. The batter added that he is content focusing on his current cricket, enjoying his game, and staying ready.
“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.”
“I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments. But I think that ship’s (T20 World Cup) 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,” he added.
Steve Smith Misses Out As Australia Lock In Top-Order Plans
Australia’s selectors added extra batting options for the three-match T20 series in Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup. However, Steve Smith did not receive a late call-up, with the provisional World Cup squad already picked.
Australia are coming off strong T20 form, with Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head locked in as first-choice openers. This has limited opportunities for other batters at the top of the order.
Smith also missed the previous T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, even though he opened in his last four T20Is. Most of his international career has been spent batting at No. 3 or No. 4.
In his last five Big Bash League innings, he has scored two centuries and two half-centuries, with all four of his BBL hundreds coming as an opener. Smith has scored 1,094 runs in 67 T20Is for Australia at an average of 24.86 and a strike rate of 125.46, with a highest score of 90.
Steve Smith’s Franchise Focus Keeps Olympic Dream Alive
Steve Smith retired from ODI cricket after last year’s Champions Trophy to focus more on franchise cricket. This decision has allowed him to feature in leagues such as Major League Cricket and The Hundred.
During the last off-season, Smith spent time in New York, where he now lives when not playing cricket. He focused heavily on strength training and has visibly added muscle as part of his preparation.
With T20 cricket set to feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Smith knows he must continue playing franchise T20 cricket to remain in contention for Australia.
Smith is set to bat at least twice more this week for the Sydney Sixers. If they beat the Perth Scorchers on Tuesday, the Sixers will host the final at the Sydney Cricket Ground. If they lose, they will play the Challenger on Thursday for another chance to reach the final.
Also read: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh blamed for Steve Smith’s T20 World Cup 2026 snub by Australia selector
