“I’m not going anywhere” Smith clarifies “cryptic” comments

STEVE Smith has said he has no immediate plans to retire after bringing his own future in the game into question following play on day two of the SCG test against South Africa.

Smith has just knocked his 30th test century, moving past the great Don Bradman’s 29 and equalling Matthew Hayden with the third most test centuries for Australia.

At 33 years old, the batting prodigy looks to be in career-best form once again with a refined technique.

But Smith dropped a bombshell after play when refusing to commit to play another home test.

The Australians next head to India and England before returning for the 2023/24 home summer.

“I really can’t say how long I’ll play for. I’m not sure,” he said.

“Take it one tour at a time. Just enjoy it and enjoy training and trying to get better as well.”

When asked to clarify his comments, Smith admitted he was “cryptic” in his message.

But the former captain added he has no immediate plans to retire.

“Look, I was a little bit cryptic there,” he told SEN Test Cricket before play resumed on day three.

“I’m not going anywhere right now, I can tell you that. I am getting older and I’ll take it tour by tour, but I have no immediate plans to stop playing.

“I’m seeing them pretty well, I’m happy with where my game’s at. I’ve made a lot of changes at the start of the summer and I was able to go back yesterday to how I used to bat a little bit, with my movement across, which I’ll do at certain periods when I feel it’s necessary.

“I feel really comfortable with my game and I look forward to what’s coming up.”

Smith also reaffirmed his desire to feature in the tours of India and England.

“A lot of people have said they know when the right time is to finish, and that time isn’t right for me yet, I’ve still got a bit left in me,” he said.

Smith was dismissed caught and bowled for 104 on day two to hand spinner Keshav Maharaj his first wicket of the series.

– BY SEB MOTTRAM