Steve Smith Talks About Retirement, Sparks Debate
After Australian cricket star Steve Smith admitted he doesn’t know how much longer he’ll play the sport, Ricky Ponting has reacted angrily to the rumours about Smith’s future in the Australian team. On Thursday, Smith surpassed Don Bradman’s previous record of 29 Test centuries by scoring his 30th century against South Africa at the SCG.
Smith is now tied with Matthew Hayden, and the only players ahead of him are Steve Waugh (32) and Ponting (41). His 104 at the SCG also brought his career total of runs to 8647, passing Michael Clarke (8643) into fourth position on Australia’s all-time list of run scorers.
The only other players ahead of Smith are Allan Border (11,174) and Waugh (10,927). Ponting leads the record with 13,378 runs. But if Smith’s remarks from Thursday night are any indication, he might not live long enough to eclipse the Australian giants.
The stunning announcement was made by Steve Smith that he is unsure of how more Test summers he will play and that he will approach his near future on a tour-by-tour basis. “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, 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.”
Smith’s remarks caused a stir in the cricket community, with many assuming that the talented hitter is about to retire. On Friday morning, when Ponting was discussing the subject on Channel 7, he was questioned about his opinions.
Ricky Ponting criticised, saying: “I’m not sure why anybody would even inquire about his impending retirement. He’s just 33.”
Steve Smith will be essential to Australia’s next tours of India and England, according to Ponting, who also thinks Smith has plenty of cricket left in him. Prior to their matchup with England for the Ashes beginning in June, the Australians will go to India (where they haven’t won a series since 2004) for four Test matches in February and March.
“For me, it’s about trying to get better and try to help some of the other batters coming through,” Steve Smith said.
“Just try and impart as much knowledge of conditions and ways to go about it. If I can say something and see that lightbulb go on when someone figures something out, I get a big thrill out of that.”
Steve Smith Clarifies His Comments
On Friday morning, Steve Smith attempted to clarify that he is not considering retirement after his remarks raised a bit of a commotion.
“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.”