Australian cricket icon Steve Smith is dreaming big, aiming to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics—the first time T20 cricket features in the Games since 1900. Ousted from the T20I side for almost two years, Smith has kept faith by excelling in the Big Bash League, where a breathtaking 41-ball hundred as opener highlighted his relevance.
‘Opening gives me freedom from ball one,’ Smith shared, crediting the role for his uninhibited batting. His unwavering Olympic goal has deterred retirement, backed by rigorous New York training sessions focused on strength and agility during the off-season.
Retiring from ODIs has allowed Smith to immerse in T20 leagues, ensuring rhythm through volume of games. He’ll feature in two more BBL matches this week before possibly heading to Major League Cricket.
Selectors’ stance remains cautious: no call-up for Pakistan T20s or T20 World Cup 2026’s initial squad, despite BBL heroics. Chief selector George Bailey lauded the performances but pointed to Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head’s stronghold at the top. ‘If there’s an injury in the prelim team, Steve’s in contention,’ Bailey noted.
Smith’s international T20 ledger—67 matches, 1,094 runs in 55 innings with 11 not-outs, five 50s, and a top score of 90—speaks volumes. This calculated comeback bid positions him as a wildcard for Australia’s Olympic preparations, blending veteran savvy with renewed hunger.