Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith has downplayed speculation around his Test retirement ahead of the fifth and final Ashes Test of the 2025–26 series, set to begin on January 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Widely regarded as one of the finest red-ball batters of the modern era, Smith has faced increased scrutiny in recent years as his numbers have dipped slightly from the extraordinary heights he once set.
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At the end of 2019, Smith boasted a staggering Test average of 62.84, reflecting a period of sustained dominance. Since then, his overall average has dropped by around seven runs to 55.85 after 122 Tests. While he has continued to average over 50 in 2021, 2022 and 2025, the match-winning supremacy that defined his peak years has appeared less frequent.
‘No end date’: Steve Smith takes it series by series
Speaking ahead of the Sydney Test, the 35-year-old made it clear that retirement is not something he is actively considering. Smith said he is taking his career “day by day, series by series” and has not set any timeline for stepping away from international cricket.
“I don’t know what I’m doing at the end of this week,” Smith said at the pre-match press conference. “I’ve said it for a while, I’m taking it day by day, series by series. I feel like I’m doing all right at the moment. I’m enjoying it, I’m contributing and having fun. There’s no real end date for me. I’m still playing and I’m enjoying it.”
Reflecting on his role within a transitioning Australian side, Smith highlighted the importance of guiding younger players and sharing his understanding of the demands of Test cricket. As one of the senior figures in the squad, he sees mentoring as a key part of his contribution moving forward.
“It’s been great to be a part of this team, and now, as an older player, hopefully I can help some of the players coming through and teach them the game of Test cricket. That’s probably my role now,” he added.
Over the past four years, Smith has scored 3,376 runs from 47 Tests at an average of 46.88, including ten centuries and 15 half-centuries. However, by his own lofty standards, the ongoing Ashes series has been his least productive so far, with 136 runs from three matches at an average of 45.33, including a lone fifty.
Smith has captained Australia in three Tests in the absence of Pat Cummins, winning two and losing one. With Australia eyeing a 4–1 series victory, Smith will be keen to sign off the Ashes on a high note at his home ground and reaffirm his value as both a leader and a batter.
