Australia v Pakistan Test series: Steve Smith not yet to make decisions on ODI, Test retirement

Steve Smith is grappling with the imminent retirement of long-time teammate David Warner – and what it means for his own future in the wake of the Australians’ World Cup win.

Steve Smith concedes he may have played his last one-day international as he continues to take a “day by day” approach to his cricket future.

With long-time teammate David Warner set to finish up in Test cricket at the end of the upcoming series against Pakistan, the topic of Smith’s retirement plans remains a source of intrigue after a series of obtuse public comments from the former Australian skipper on the matter over the past year.

Having been part of his second 50-over World Cup-winning side last month, Smith has turned his attention to cementing his spot in Australia’s Twenty20 side ahead of next June’s World Cup in that format as well as continuing in Test cricket.

Unlike many in Australia’s XI that beat India in the World Cup final in Ahmedabad, Smith remained in India for some of the T20 series that followed the global event.

While there is a Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025, the next 50-over World Cup isn’t until 2027, by which time Smith will be 38.

Smith (R) celebrates the World Cup triumph alongside David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne. Picture: Getty

Australia plays three ODIs against the West Indies in February, part of white-ball commitments wedged between the home Tests and two Tests in New Zealand.

After a modest World Cup in which he never quite reached his best, Smith would be a logical candidate to ease out of the one-day side should selectors be keen to start regenerating with a view to the next ICC events.

Smith said it was unclear whether the World Cup final – a match in which he fell for four to an erroneous lbw decision – would be his final match in the format.

“I’m not sure. We’ll wait and see I think we’ve got a little bit of time until the next lot. I’m pretty much just focused on this at the moment and taking it day by day with all formats so see how we go,” Smith said.

A final out? Steve Smith might have played his last ODI. Picture: Getty

As for Test cricket, Smith was similarly equivocal.

“I’m not really sure. I just take it day by day and enjoy my time playing and while I’m enjoying it, I’ll keep playing. I’m not in any hurry to make any decisions or anything. So I’m pretty relaxed and yeah, looking forward to the summer,” he said.

The champion batter said he was feeling refreshed ahead of the Pakistan series, having had a brief break at home after being released early from the T20 series in India.

“Obviously it’s been a busy, busy year. I certainly needed a little break after the World Cup and yeah, it was good to just have a week at home and relax and try and refresh the mind and body as much as possible to get ready for this series. But now I feel like I’m in a good place. I think the boys feel like they’re in a good place and keen to get out and play some red ball cricket again,” Smith said.

“It’s important to try and stay as mentally fresh as you can. It can be challenging with quite a busy schedule, but any sort of moment you can get to have a few days or a week just to get away from the game and get your mental side back to a position where you can go out and perform internationally it’s important.”

Smith said he had taken it easy during his time off, including hitting the links.

“I’ve sort of got into the golf a bit, and played a bit of golf back home. I’m sure the boys are continually laughing about it at the moment.”

The Aussies were meanwhile joined at training on Tuesday by former star Mike Hussey, who is helping out in the nets for a couple of days in the absence of rested assistant coach Andre Borovec. Consultant Trent Woodhill is also assisting the Aussies this week.

Originally published as Australia v Pakistan Test series: Steve Smith not yet to make decisions on ODI, Test retirement