Australia’s selectors have kept the door ajar for Steven Smith’s T20I career, though the road to the 2028 LA Olympics remains a steep climb for the veteran batter. Despite a prolific run in the Big Bash League (BBL), Smith finds himself in a race against time and a crowded depth chart as he aims to represent Australia on the Olympic stage at age 39.
Smith has been in “barnstorming” form for the Sydney Sixers, recently lighting up the SCG with a 42-ball century followed by a vital 54 against the Brisbane Heat. His heroics have propelled the Sixers into the Qualifier final, yet a national recall remains elusive. Despite being a mainstay in other formats, Smith hasn’t featured in a T20I since early 2024, notably missing the recent World Cup in the Caribbean.
The Logjam at the Top: Why Smith is Currently Sidelined
The primary hurdle for Smith isn’t his form, but rather the “moving parts” of a settled Australian top order. Chief selector George Bailey acknowledged Smith’s incredible BBL output but noted that the national side currently has “really good coverage” in his preferred positions. With Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head locked in as the preferred opening pair, Smith’s path back into the XI requires either an injury or a significant shift in tactical philosophy.
Smith himself is realistic about the situation. “I think that ship’s sailed,” he admitted following the Heat game, acknowledging that the current openers are performing exceptionally well. However, his reinvention as a T20 opener has been undeniable. While his career T20I strike rate sits at 125.45, his recent output in franchise cricket tells a different story. Since his last international appearance, Smith has averaged 51.18 with a strike rate of 156, proving he can match the modern game’s aggressive pace.
Playing the Long Game: Franchise Cricket and the 2028 Vision
Smith’s decision to retire from ODI cricket after last year’s Champions Trophy was a strategic move designed to prolong his T20 career. By stepping away from the 50-over format, he has freed up his calendar for global franchise opportunities like Major League Cricket (MLC) and The Hundred. This consistent match play is vital; Smith noted that playing sporadically for the national team makes it difficult to find a rhythm, whereas the franchise circuit allows him to stay “in the flow” of the short-form game.
Training for Power
Now residing in New York during the off-season, Smith has undergone a physical transformation to stay competitive. He has noticeably bulked up, putting in significant strength work to “hit the ball a little bit further” and keep pace with the game’s power hitters. This physical evolution, combined with his unique ability to find gaps in the field, makes him a different prospect than the “anchor” player he was in the mid-2010s.
The Road Ahead
Before he looks toward LA 2028, Smith has immediate business to attend to with the Sydney Sixers. A win against the Perth Scorchers this week would see the Sixers host the BBL final at the SCG. Following the domestic season, Smith will likely head to the United States for MLC in June. If he continues to dominate the franchise circuit, the selectors may find it increasingly difficult to ignore him when the Olympic qualifiers eventually roll around.
