Veteran Australian batter Steve Smith has set his sights on representing Australia at the 2028 Olympics and is working toward a return to the T20l side by featuring in various white-ball leagues around the world.
Smith, who has amassed 5,806 runs in 258 T20 matches, stepped back from ODI cricket to focus on the shortest format, hoping it increases his chances of Olympic selection. Despite his efforts, the 36-year-old hasn’t featured in a T20I since February 2024.
To bolster his case for a recall, Smith has been actively participating in T20 competitions such as the Big Bash League and Major League Cricket. He is currently in the UK and will be playing for Welsh Fire in The Hundred this season, aiming to make a strong impression on selectors.
“It gives me some opportunities to be able to play in different tournaments and keep trying to put my best foot forward to get back into the T20 team for Australia,” Smith told ESPNcricinfo. “My goal now is to try and play in the Olympics. That’s motivating me, and I want to keep getting better at the shorter format.”
While Smith’s experience is undeniable, his strike rate of 129.97 has raised questions about his suitability for the pace of modern T20 cricket. Nonetheless, his consistent performances in domestic leagues keep him in the mix.
His signing with Welsh Fire coincides with a bigt pay rise for top men’s players in The Hundred, with the maximum salary increasing from £125,000 to £200,000.
As he pushes for a T20I comeback and eyes a spot at the 2026 T20 World Cup, Smith is hoping his performances in these leagues will help reignite his T20l career.
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