Australian batting legend Steve Smith has accepted his exclusion from Australia’s T20 World Cup preliminary squad, but he is far from giving up on his international T20 ambitions. Despite the setback, Smith remains committed to representing Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 38-year-old batter, who is in excellent form in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL), acknowledged that despite some incredible performances, he was not considered a surprise inclusion in the national squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Not Over Yet…
The former Australia captain has not yet closed the door on T20I cricket, as he still aims to play at the Olympics, where cricket will make a long-anticipated return.
“I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments. 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,” Smith was quoted as saying by Espncricinfo.
“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,” he added.
When Steve Smith Last Played A T20I For Australia?
Smith last played a T20I for Australia in February 2024, and since then, he has averaged over 51 with a strike rate of 156 in T20s.
The Australian star has been in top form during BBL 2025-26. Rejoining his team, Sydney Sixers, after the Ashes, Smith has scored 173 runs in just three matches. He also scored a 41-ball century against the Sydney Thunder at the SCG on January 16.
With Smith’s power-hitting, the Sixers have positioned themselves well to reach the final. After the BBL, Smith will return to T20 cricket in Major League Cricket, which will be hosted by the USA in June and July.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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