WTC Final: Steve Smith opens up on his future, keeps India tour plans under wraps
Steve Smith (Photo by)
Australian cricket star
Steve Smith
has indicated he is taking his Test career "day by day" and avoiding thoughts about potential tours to England and India in 2027. The 36-year-old veteran's immediate focus remains on the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's starting June 11, following his impressive form of four centuries in his last five Tests against India and Sri Lanka.
Smith recently retired from ODI cricket in March after accumulating 5,800 runs in 170 appearances, including 12 centuries and two World Cup victories. His last ODI appearance featured a 73-run knock against India in the Champions Trophy semifinal.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
SUBSCRIBE NOW!
While Smith hasn't played T20 internationals since February 2024 and hasn't participated in the IPL since 2021, he maintains his interest in the shorter format. He plans to play two Major League Cricket matches for Washington Freedom between the WTC final and Australia's first Test against West Indies in late June.
"I am definitely not looking that far ahead," Smith said regarding the 2027 tours. "I am kind of taking it day by day. While I am enjoying it, while I am batting nicely and feeling like I am contributing to the team, I am pretty happy. But that [2027] is a while away."
Major League Cricket: Liam Plunkett on how cricket can boom in the USA
Speaking about Lord's Cricket Ground, Smith expressed his deep appreciation for the venue. "I think it is probably, outside of Sydney, my favourite ground to play at.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Преносим лазерен заваръчен апарат - последен модел 2024
Murreice
Научете повече
Undo
The history, the surface itself. It always takes a few balls just to get used to that slope. One end, you feel like you are standing really tall, the other end, you feel like you are falling over a little bit. But the ball races away, both up the hill and down the hill.
"
He added further thoughts about Lord's: "And then the lunch is fabulous. They always say it is a great place to miss out so you can enjoy your lunch. Fortunately, or unfortunately, the last few years I have done really well there, so I have not been able to cash in on that."
Smith's record in England is impressive, with 2,255 runs in 22 Tests at an average of 55.00, including eight centuries and nine fifties. At Lord's specifically, he has scored 525 runs in five Tests, with two centuries and two fifties in nine innings.
Quiz:
Who's that IPL player?
His overall Test career statistics are remarkable, having scored 10,271 runs in 116 Tests at an average of 56.74, with 36 centuries and 41 fifties. This makes him Australia's fourth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket.
The upcoming World Test Championship final will see
Pat Cummins
leading Australia as they attempt to retain the championship mace won against India in June 2023 at the Oval.
South Africa, under Temba Bavuma's leadership, will be seeking their first ICC trophy in over two decades.
The Australian squad for the final includes Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, and Matt Kuhnemann, with Brendan Doggett as the traveling reserve.
Smith has also expressed interest in representing Australia in the Olympics, aiming to secure a gold medal for his country.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
23 minutes ago
- Time of India
'C***ine is a hell of a drug': Stefon Diggs slammed for wild wedding dance amid ACL recovery and Cardi B drama
Stefon Diggs's wedding dance rekindles pink powder controversy (Image via AP) New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is back in the spotlight after a video surfaced showing him dancing energetically at his sister's wedding. The clip quickly went viral, sparking renewed jokes and criticism linked to the recent 'pink powder' controversy that has stirred debate around the star player's professionalism and image. Viral dance video sparks new social media reactions On social media, fans made sarcastic comments referencing the infamous yacht video from Memorial Day weekend, where Diggs was seen passing a small pink bag to guests. Though the contents remain unconfirmed, speculation and concern swirled over what the substance might have been. 'C***ine is a hell of a drug,' one user joked, while another added, 'Cause that pink powder he be messing with.' Analyst questions Stefon Diggs' fit in Patriots culture ESPN analyst Chris Canty weighed in on the larger implications for the Patriots franchise. 'For a franchise that's trying to turn the page on the Bill Belichick era and rolling into this season with a second-year quarterback, having this tension where you have to question whether your star wide receiver reflects the values of the franchise and the program that new coach Mike Vrabel is trying to build just doesn't make any sense,' Canty said. Fans divided over Diggs' off-field behavior and recovery Adding fuel to the fire, some fans expressed concern about Diggs dancing while still recovering from a serious ACL injury sustained last season. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo 'I swear if this mf blows out his knee again at a WEDDING,' one comment read. Yet others defended Diggs, pointing out his dedication to rehab and his commitment to balancing family and football. 'He just having fun, let him dance and enjoy his family, because he been training and going hard to get back. Love he still about his business & the sport, but took time to be there for his family & youth camp day! Awesome job.' Diggs' future with Patriots hangs in the balance Despite the off-field distractions, Diggs has returned to Patriots offseason activities, participating in organized team activities (OTAs) and team meetings. Head coach Mike Vrabel and the Patriots organization have remained tight-lipped publicly but are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. As the Patriots look to rebuild their identity post-Belichick, maintaining a disciplined team culture is a priority. Diggs' ability to stay focused and align with that vision will be critical to his future with the franchise and their hopes for a successful 2025 season. Also read: Stefon Diggs sends two-word flirtatious message to Cardi B amid backlash over viral yacht party video With tensions still simmering and the NFL yet to make an official statement on the 'pink powder' incident, Diggs' every move on and off the field will be under close watch by fans, media, and the Patriots front office.
News18
27 minutes ago
- News18
Clarke Makes Prediction For Next IPL: 'Think Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit Will...'
Last Updated: Michael Clarke expects MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play the Indian Premier League next season. The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) concluded with a thrilling final, which Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won to secure their maiden title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs. Led by Rajat Patidar, the team showcased exceptional form throughout the season, culminating in a victorious end to their 18-year pursuit of the trophy. This victory was a 'dream come true' for star batsman Virat Kohli, who has been with the franchise since its inception. Recently, former Australia captain Michael Clarke expressed his confidence in Kohli's participation in the next IPL season. Clarke also endorsed the return of Chennai Super Kings star MS Dhoni and Mumbai Indians' Rohit Sharma. 'I think MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will play in next year's IPL. MS Dhoni is massive. Every time Chennai plays, even in away games, there are more Chennai fans than any other fan. Sponsors, they are there because of MS Dhoni. The fans, they are there because of MS Dhoni," Clarke was quoted as saying on Beyond23 Cricket Podcast. 'He is the king of that franchise. They want him to keep playing and I don't think people realise the impact. When he decides to retire, it will be a huge loss to the franchise," he added. Notably, both Rohit and Kohli have recently retired from Test cricket, having already ended their T20I careers. They now participate solely in the One Day International (ODI) format for India at the international level. Chennai Super Kings star MS Dhoni faced considerable criticism as the five-time champions finished at the bottom of the points table, prompting many cricket enthusiasts to suggest that the 43-year-old should retire. First Published: June 08, 2025, 19:34 IST
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Angels coach's snack gesture for son on Mariners staff captures hearts across MLB
Image Source: Getty If you were watching the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners game on Tuesday night, you'll remember that touching moment of fatherly love where Angels first base coach Eric Young Sr. ran onto the field in the fifth inning and threw what looked like a protein bar into the first‑base coach's box right in front of his son. Mariners first base coach Eric Young Jr. stood unfazed as his father threw the snack in, before putting the bar in his back pocket and getting back to the game. That exchange, which occurred via the Angels' social media accounts yesterday, Wilson at Angel Stadium, quickly gained traction as that day's MLB video highlight, sweetening baseball hearts with a wholesome moment. A father's instinct extends beyond the dugout Now, it was in front of thousands with the stadium lights blazing, but Young Sr.'s main focus was still feeding his athlete son. Video footage showed him sprinting down the warning track, stopping at first base, giving Young Jr., to set the protein bar to set down. It was a simple gesture, but it said so much, reminding us that even rivals, a father and son, share a bond deeper than league allegiances. According to similar snacks-for-son moments have come to pass, where Young Sr. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Device Made My Power Bill Drop Overnight elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Pre-Order Undo once flipped a snack to Young Jr. during a Braves–Nationals game while Young Jr. was still a coach in Washington. Fans and players alike fall in love with the moment As soon as the clip was available on social media, everyone praised it. This certainly fell in the line of a not quite random act, which many fans were sure to point out, as it was part of a long-standing tradition between Young Sr. and Young Jr. ESPN analysts and postgame pundits weren't far behind, calling it a dad-move that brought the hearts of many a flutter when a sentimental shot reminded us all of the human element to MLB at least until the boxscores and stats came out. Also Read: Watch: Angels fans show no class as they boo Cal Raleigh's 26th home run More than just a snack; it's a shared legacy Baseball is in the blood for the Youngs. Eric Young Sr. and Jr. both saw time in the bigs, with Sr having a long MLB career and Jr. following in his footsteps. They are on opposite sidelines now, but that dynamic is still there; not a competition, but a kind of partnership. A gesture small enough to fit into our ongoing love story. And perfect timing, too; just in time for Father's Day — a reminder that avatar-of-competition intensity is no match for family bonding and connection, sunlight shimmering just as bright on the field of professional sports.
