T20 World Cup 2026: Australia batter Steve Smith has admitted that a surprise return to the T20I team ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup is unlikely. The 36-year-old, who has been in fantastic form for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, revealed that his main focus is on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Strong performances in franchise cricket, he said, could still keep the door open for an international comeback.
Despite his form, Smith was left out of Australia’s preliminary squad for the World Cup and was also not selected for the three-match T20 series against Pakistan, which will be Australia’s final preparation before the tournament.
My Main Goal Is To Get In The Team For The Olympics
Steve Smith shared that representing Australia at the 2028 Olympics is now his main target. He acknowledged that returning for the T20 World Cup is unlikely but said he’s happy to focus on his current cricket and enjoy his game.
“My main goal, as I’ve said before, is to get in the team when the Olympics is rolling around. I’d be keen to do that. That’d be pretty cool. Keep doing what I’m doing, and you never know.”
He added, “I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments. But I think that ship’s (T20 World Cup) sailed. I reckon they’ve got two opening batters that are doing pretty well. I’m relaxed doing what I can here and having some fun.”
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Steve Smith Misses Out As Australia Lock In Top-Order Plans
Australia’s selectors have included extra batting options for the T20 series in Pakistan ahead of the World Cup, but Steve Smith did not receive a late call-up. The provisional squad for the tournament is already locked in.
Australia’s top order is strong, with Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head set as the first-choice openers, leaving limited opportunities for other batters. Smith also missed the previous T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, even though he opened in his last four T20Is. Most of his international career has been spent at No. 3 or No. 4.
Smith has been in sensational form in the Big Bash League. In his last five innings, he scored two centuries and two half-centuries, with all four BBL hundreds coming as an opener. He has scored 1,094 runs in 67 T20Is for Australia, averaging 24.86 with a strike rate of 125.46, and a highest score of 90.
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Steve Smith Focused on Franchise Cricket and the Olympics
After retiring from ODI cricket following last year’s Champions Trophy, Smith has shifted his focus to franchise cricket. This has given him the chance to play in leagues like Major League Cricket and The Hundred.
He spent the last off-season in New York, where he now lives when he’s not playing cricket. During that time, he concentrated on strength training and has visibly added muscle as part of his preparation.
With T20 cricket set to feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Smith knows he needs to keep playing franchise cricket to stay in contention for Australia.
Sydney Sixers Ahead
Smith is set to bat at least twice more this week for the Sydney Sixers. If they beat the Perth Scorchers on Tuesday, the Sixers will host the final at the Sydney Cricket Ground. If they lose, they will play the Challenger on Thursday for another shot at reaching the final.
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