Steve Smith ODI retirement opens door to 2027 Ashes tour

Steve Smith’s retirement from one-day internationals has opened the door for him to stretch his Test career to 2027 and capstone series victories in India and England.

Before his exit from 50-over games when Australia was eliminated from the Champions Trophy in Dubai this week, 35-year-old Smith discussed his future with the national selectors and the prospect of carrying on in Test matches for the team’s high-priority targets in coming years.

Chris Woakes gets Steve Smith on the final day of the 2023 Ashes series. Credit: Reuters

Smith wants to play more Twenty20 franchise cricket, and has even stated his interest in playing for Australia at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. ODI retirement gives him room to do so. But it is in Test cricket that Smith’s most enduring stories will be written.

The world Test championship and home Ashes summer are first up. But top of the list of overseas assignments are five-match Test battles in India and England in 2027, after Australia failed to win either series in 2023.

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