Malahide, Sept 15:

Australia batting great Steve Smith has raised doubts over his participation in the 2027 Ashes in England, saying he is continuing to assess his Test career on a series-by-series basis while setting his sights on representing Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Smith, 37, has not committed himself to the next Ashes campaign and indicated that the series is still too far away for him to make a firm decision. His comments have fuelled speculation over the future of one of Australia’s most accomplished modern Test batters.

The veteran is currently playing for Amsterdam Flames in the European T20 Premier League. Smith said one of the reasons for taking part in the tournament was to continue playing T20 cricket, particularly with the 2028 Olympics now an important personal target. Cricket will return to the Olympic programme at Los Angeles.

Smith has already enjoyed a remarkable Test career, with 125 matches and 37 centuries to his name. He is currently ranked No. 2 among men’s Test batters, behind England’s Harry Brook. Despite his advancing age, Smith has not announced a retirement date and has stressed that he continues to enjoy playing.

His comments suggest that the latter part of his career could involve a greater focus on T20 cricket. The possibility of playing at the Olympics could also influence his workload and priorities as he weighs his future in the longest format.

Australia’s immediate Test assignment will be a three-match series against South Africa in October. The team will then have to plan for the 2027 Ashes without knowing whether Smith, one of the defining batters of his generation, will still be part of the Test side.