The Australian cricket team can exhale a huge sigh of relief after batting legend Steve Smith debunked retirement rumours on Friday during the third Test against the Proteas. Smith’s ‘I really can’t say how long I’ll play for’ comment following his 30th Test century fueled speculation about his retirement. He has, however, denied those claims, stating that he has no plans to retire anytime soon.
Steve Smith broke Don Bradman’s record of 29 centuries with his 30th century at the SCG during the third and final Test of the series against the Proteas. However, the batting champion caused a stir after a cryptic press conference in which he hinted at his future.
Smith cleared the air in his latest Fox Sports interview after the media circus surrounding his retirement. He has no plans to retire anytime soon and is looking forward to the upcoming assignments.
“I’m always very cryptic with that (retirement) stuff. But I’m not going anywhere, I’m comfortable with where everything is at, we’ve got a few good tours coming up, I’m excited, and I’m still trying to get better. Whilst I still have that hunger and eagerness to try and improve, particularly to help some of the batters coming through … while I’m doing all that I’m enjoying myself and I have no plans for retirement,” the former skipper said during the rain delay on Friday.
“I’m still enjoying it” – Steve Smith on his retirement rumours
This isn’t the first time the 33-year-old has sparked speculation about his future, as rumours of his retirement surfaced after a candid interview in November. The Australian did not specify a retirement date, but stated that he was ‘certainly closer to the end than the beginning’.
“No, I don’t have a plan, but I’m 33 now. I’ve been playing international cricket for 13 years. It’s been a long time. I’m still enjoying it, but I’m certainly closer to the end than the start, that’s for sure,” he told The Daily Telegraph in November.
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