A day after making a cryptic statement about his international future, veteran Australian batter Steve Smith stated unequivocally that he has no plans to retire.
Actually, Smith said that he is unsure how much longer he will play international cricket after scoring his 30th Test century in the ongoing Pink Ball Test against South Africa at the SCG on January 5.
The right-hander also admitted that he is adopting a tour-by-tour approach to his future.
Smith told reporters at the SCG when he was asked about his future: "We'll see. I'm enjoying it at the moment. I really can't say how long I'll play for. I'm not sure. I'll take it one tour at a time and just enjoy it, enjoy training and trying to get better as well. Whilst I'm doing that, I'm happy playing, but I don't know how long that'll last.”
His statement created a stir on social media, with many assuming that Australia’s batting superstar may make a call on his international future soon.
However, Smith quashes rumors of his retirement on Friday (January 6) by saying "he is not going anywhere" until he is enjoying cricket.
Smith told Fox Sports: “I’m always very cryptic with that (retirement) stuff. But I’m not going anywhere, I’m comfortable with where everything’s at. We’ve got a few good tours coming up. I’m excited and I’m still trying to get better. We’ve got a few good tours coming up.”
He added, “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.”
(With Reuters Inputs)
