Steve Smith Archives

T20 World Cup: Steve Smith earns surprise call-up to Australia squad

Veteran batter Steve Smith has been rushed into the Australia squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as a cover for skipper Mitchell Marsh, who is ruled out of their opening fixture against Ireland.

Marsh, 34, suffered a testicular injury after suffering a blow to the groin during his side’s training session.

Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that Marsh is injured, prompting them to bring Smith as a reserve.

“He is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort, which is restricting his movement,” Cricket Australia confirmed.

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“Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding, and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice.”

“Standby player Steve Smith will travel to Sri Lanka as cover to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required,” the statement added.

The right-hander’s last appearance for Australia in the shorter format came in 2024 against New Zealand.

Overall, Smith has played 67 T20Is, accumulating 1094 runs at an average of 24.86 with the aid of five half-centuries.

Australia T20 World Cup squad

Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

Australia World Cup Fixtures

February 11, Australia vs Ireland Group B, Premadasa, Colombo
February 13, Australia vs Zimbabwe, Premadasa, Colombo
February 17, Australia vs Sri Lanka, Kandy
February 21, Australia vs Oman, Kandy

READ: South Africa edge Afghanistan in double Super Over thriller

Is Steve Smith joining Sialkot Stallionz for PSL 11?

The Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) newest franchise, Sialkot Stallionz, have reportedly secured the services of former Australia captain Steve Smith ahead of the 11th edition of the marquee league, sources told on Tuesday.

According to reliable sources, Smith has been directly signed by the Sialkot-based outfit before the PSL’s first-ever player auction, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 11.

The development comes just weeks after Sialkot Stallionz were officially introduced as one of the two new franchises in the PSL.

The team’s ownership rights were acquired by OZ Developers, owned by Hamza Majeed and Kamil Khan, during the historic PSL 2026 auction held at the Jinnah Convention Centre on January 8.

OZ Developers sealed the deal with a record bid of Rs 1.85 billion, making it the most expensive franchise purchase in PSL history.

The Stallionz had earlier appointed former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Tim Paine as their head coach, and sources suggest Smith will now play under his former international teammate in PSL 11.

Notably, Smith has never featured in the PSL before.

However, the veteran batter arrives with strong T20 form, having enjoyed a sensational outing in the recently concluded Big Bash League (BBL) season 15, where he represented Sydney Sixers.

Smith played six matches, scoring 299 runs at an average of 59.80 and a strike rate of 167.97, including a blistering 42-ball century.

Overall, Smith has played 272 T20 matches, scoring 6,242 runs at an average of 32.68 and a strike rate of 131.38, including five centuries and 30 half-centuries.

It is pertinent to note that under PSL 11 regulations, each franchise is allowed one direct signing of a foreign player who did not feature in PSL 10, a clause that appears to have been utilised by Sialkot Stallionz to land the Australian star.

READ: T20 World Cup: $500m at stake if Pakistan skips India clash

Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc propel Sixers into BBL 15 final

SYDNEY: Steve Smith’s half-century and a combined bowling effort led by Mitchell Starc propelled the Sydney Sixers into the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 final with a 57-run victory over defending champions Hobart Hurricanes in the challenger here at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday.

Chasing daunting 199, Hurricanes batting lineup crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 141 in 17.2 overs.

After a 21 run opening partnership, openers Mitchell Owen and Tim Ward fell in quick time as Hurricanes were reduced to 29-2 in three overs.

Following the early hiccups, Beau Webster and skipper Ben McDermott stabilized the chase with a 48 run partnership. The pair brought the total to 77 in 9.5 overs before three wickets in quick succession in span of one over jolted their chase.

First well set batter, Webster was caught after scoring 40 from 26, striking three boundaries and a six.

Joel Davies took two wickets on successive deliveries, first removing Nikhil Chaudhary, who only managed four and the second one of dangerous Matthew Wade who was caught and bowled for a golden duck.

As a result, Hurricanes slumped to 91-6 in 12.3 overs, with Chris Jordan the next batter to fall after scoring only one.

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Hobart Hurricanes batting quickly unraveled after slump and were eventually bowled out at the end of the 17th over.

For Sydney Sixers, Ben Dwarshuis topped the wickets chart with three scalps in all-round bowling effort. Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott and Joel Davies shared six wickets between them.

Earlier, put into bat first, Sydney Sixers put on a massive 198-8 at the end of their 20 overs.

After losing Daniel Hughes for 13, Steve Smith and Josh Philippe held the innings together with a 64 run stand.

Smith did the bulk of the scoring with Philippe adding 15 to the total with the aid of two fours.

There were some other brief contributions from the middle order with Joel Davies scoring 27 from 12, striking two fours and two sixes late down the order.

Lachlan Shaw also chipped in with the bat, hitting four boundaries on his way to 21 from 13 balls.

For Hobart Hurricanes, Riley Meredith scalped three wickets with Billy Stanlake and Rishad Hossain taking two wickets each.

The final of the tournament will be played on 25 January, Sunday between Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers at Perth Stadium.

Notably, this will be the sixth time that both teams will meet in BBL final.

READ: Haris Rauf breaks silence on his exclusion from Pakistan T20I squad

Smith, Marsh sign up for Waugh-owned franchise in European T20 League

Australia’s senior stars Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh are set to feature in the upcoming European T20 Premier League (ETPL), with both players committing to a franchise owned by former Test captain Steve Waugh.

The six-team competition, scheduled to begin later this year, is set to make history as the first ICC-sanctioned T20 league to be staged across multiple countries.

The ETPL will operate across Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, marking a significant push to expand the game’s footprint in Europe.

Steve Waugh is part of a consortium that owns the Amsterdam-based franchise, Amsterdam Flames, and has confirmed that Smith and Marsh are among the headline players signed for the team.

Netherlands captain Scott Edwards has also joined the Flames, while discussions are ongoing with Australian power-hitter Tim David.

“We’ve approached a number of players and haven’t had one negative comment at all,” Waugh told.

“They’re fascinated by the concept, especially because it’s in Europe. They know what I stand for in terms of values, teamwork and success, and they see this as a serious project.”

The six-team league features franchises owned by several high-profile cricket figures. Glenn Maxwell will co-own the Ireland-based Irish Wolves alongside Rohan Lund, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of Australian insurance firm NRMA.

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Former New Zealand internationals Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum have acquired the Edinburgh franchise.

So far, franchises in Amsterdam, Belfast and Edinburgh have been sold, while teams based in Dublin, Rotterdam and Glasgow are expected to be finalised in the next phase of the league’s rollout.

Waugh stressed that the ETPL is designed to be more than a symbolic gesture towards European cricket.

“We want this to be a meaningful competition,” he said. “It’s not just about supporting European cricket in name. The aim is to build one of the best leagues in the world. That might be ambitious, but you have to set high standards.”

He also highlighted the role that senior players, such as Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh, can play in developing emerging talent.

“They’re at a stage of their careers where it’s not just about personal success, but the impact they can have on other players and the growth of the game,” Waugh added.

The inaugural season of the European T20 Premier League is scheduled to run from August 26 to September 20. Matches will be played in Ireland and the Netherlands, with final venue details expected to be announced in due course.

READ: Steve Waugh, Glenn Maxwell among team owners in European T20 League

Steve Smith keeps T20I dream alive, targets LA Olympics

Steve Smith has made it clear that despite his absence from Australia’s T20I side, his focus is firmly on representing his country at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The veteran batter has been in sensational touch during the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season 15, producing a blistering 42-ball century and following it up with a 54-run innings to power Sydney Sixers into the Qualifier.

His performances have reignited discussions about whether he could be recalled to Australia’s T20 squad, from which he has been absent since early 2024.

Smith’s last T20I appearance came against New Zealand in February 2024, where he opened alongside Travis Head and managed just four runs.

Since then, he has continued to dominate in T20 leagues, averaging 51.18 at a strike rate of 156, numbers that have kept his name in conversations, even if the selectors’ door remains tightly shut.

But Smith himself appears pragmatic about his international future.

“I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments, but I think that ship’s sailed,” he said after his 54-run knock against Brisbane Heat on Sunday.

“They’ve got two opening batters doing well. I’m relaxed, enjoying what I’m doing here, and having some fun. My main goal remains the Olympics, which would be pretty cool. Keep doing what I’m doing, and you never know.”

Unlike his ODI career, Steve Smith has not formally retired from T20 internationals, leaving the door slightly ajar.

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Still, the reality is that Australia currently has a settled opening pair in the shortest format, making a comeback increasingly difficult.

Smith has thrived as an opener in the BBL, scoring two centuries and two half-centuries in just five innings this season.

All four of his centuries have come from the top of the order, an adjustment from his usual international role at No. 3 or 4, where he often had to consolidate after early wickets.

“Opening now gives me the freedom from ball one to play how I see it and enjoy myself,” Smith explained. “I’ve played different roles. Often I had to stick it together in the middle, rebuild after early wickets.”

The 36-year-old retired from ODI cricket after last year’s Champions Trophy, choosing to concentrate on franchise cricket across the globe, including stints in Major League Cricket (MLC) and The Hundred.

“I’m trying to get stronger and hit the ball further to keep up with some of the big hitters,” he said.

“It’s nice to open and play freely. I stopped playing one-day cricket to focus on franchise tournaments and maintain rhythm. Playing consistently in this format is really important.”

Australia’s chairman of selectors, George Bailey, has not dismissed the possibility of Smith returning to the T20I fold, but he admitted it would require a series of favourable circumstances.

“Steven’s been playing incredibly well in the BBL over the last couple of years, but we’ve got strong coverage in that position,” Bailey said. “If there were moving parts and a need arose, no doubt his name would be in the mix.”

READ: Pakistan-India clash confirmed as Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars schedule revealed

Starc, Smith take Sixers into BBL 15 finals

BRISBANE: Mitchell Starc’s four wicket haul backed by gutsy half-centuries from Steve Smith and Sam Curran propelled Sydney Sixers to a five-wicket win over Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 knockout fixture.

Sydney Sixers chased down 172 in 18.4 overs, losing five wickets in the process.

The BBL 15 finals — Playoffs will commence on 20 January with Sydney Sixers facing Perth Scorchers in the Qualifier.

Meanwhile, third-placed Hobart Hurricanes will square off against fourth-placed Melbourne Stars in the knockout.

After losing Babar Azam (1) and Josh Philippe (8) in the first three overs, Steve Smith held the innings together with a string of partnerships.

The right-hander, who top-scored with 54 from 40 balls, including five boundaries, steadied the innings, first stitching a 43-run partnership with skipper Moises Henriques.

The pair’s partnership brought the total to 74 in 8.4 overs before Henriques was caught after scoring 20.

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Smith followed the stand with another crucial partnership off 60 runs alongside Sam Curran that took the game away from the Brisbane Heat. Sam Curran hit two sixes and five fours in his 53* from 27 balls.

For Brisbane Heat, Xavier Bartlett picked up two wickets.

Earlier, after put into bat first, Brisbane Heat racked up 171-9 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

Nathan McSweeney starred with the bat, scoring a vital 69 from 54 balls, which was laced with eight fours.

Michael Neser was the other notable contributor as he captilized on the power surge, hitting 35 off 14 balls with the help of two sixes and five fours.

For Sydney Sixers, Mitchell Starc was the star bowler as he picked up the first four-wicket haul of his short BBL career.

READ: WATCH: Babar Azam falls cheaply in must-win clash for Sixers

Smith explains denying ‘unhappy’ Babar Azam a single in BBL

SYDNEY: Star batter Steve Smith opened up about denying a single to Babar Azam before the ‘Power Surge’ over during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 clash between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder.

Babar made 47 from 39 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries before getting cleaned up by Nathan McAndrew.

The wicket left Babar fuming, who was seen striking the boundary cushion with his bat.

The incident unfolded when Steve Smith denied Babar a single after the former had faced three consecutive dot balls.

In the very next over, Steve Smith completely capitalized on Power Surge — a strategic, two-over period the batting team chooses after the 10th over, where fielding restrictions are eased with only two fielders allowed outside the inner circle, hitting 32 runs in the over.

Speaking after the match, Smith revealed the reason behind his refusal to give Babar Azam a strike.

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“We spoke at the ten-over mark, and they [the captain and coach] said take the surge straightaway,” Smith told Channel 7.

“I was like, ‘Nah, give it one over. I want to hit to the short boundary. I don’t want to screw up the first over. I’ll try to get 30 off that over’. [I] think we got 32, so it was a good result. Not sure Babar was too happy with me knocking back that single,” he remarked.

Nonetheless, Sydney Sixers cruised to a five-wicket victory while chasing a 190-run target.

Steve Smith starred with the bat, scoring a sublime 100 off 42 balls, striking nine sixes and five fours.

The emphatic win lifted the Sixers to fourth place on the BBL 15 points table, putting them firmly on course for a playoff berth.

They will now face fifth-placed Brisbane Heat in their final group-stage fixture on Sunday, with the result set to determine the last team to qualify for the playoffs.

READ: Afghanistan edge South Africa to kickstart U19 World Cup

Steve Smith, Babar Azam star as Sydney Sixers outclass Thunder

Steve Smith and Babar Azam produced a batting masterclass to guide the Sydney Sixers to a commanding victory over the Sydney Thunder in a high-octane Big Bash League (BBL) 15 encounter at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.

The emphatic win lifted the Sixers to fourth place on the BBL 15 points table, putting them firmly on course for a playoff berth.

They will now face fifth-placed Brisbane Heat in their final group-stage fixture on Sunday, with the result set to determine the last team to qualify for the playoffs.

Chasing a challenging target of 190, the Sixers got off to a flying start as Smith and Babar combined aggression with composure in a dominant opening partnership.

Smith took on the role of chief aggressor, while Babar provided stability, as the duo stitched together a 141-run stand in just 74 balls.

The partnership finally ended when Nathan McAndrew dismissed Babar, who scored a fluent 47 off 39 deliveries, including seven boundaries.

Smith continued his onslaught, racing to a blistering century off just 41 balls, peppering the boundary with nine sixes and five fours.

His innings came to an end immediately after reaching the landmark, as he was stumped off Tanveer Sangha, but not before putting the Sixers firmly in control of the chase.

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Despite losing a few quick wickets, the Sixers crossed the line comfortably with 16 balls to spare.

Jack Edwards remained unbeaten on 17 off eight balls, smashing two sixes, while Lachlan Shaw chipped in with a brisk 13 off seven to seal the win.

Earlier, Sixers skipper won the toss and opted to field, a decision that initially appeared costly as Thunder captain David Warner launched a fierce counterattack.

Warner added 56 runs for the opening stand with Matthew Gilkes, who scored 12 off 12, before Mitchell Starc broke the partnership in his first BBL appearance since the league’s fourth season.

Warner continued his assault and found solid support in Nic Maddinson, with the pair adding 84 runs in 47 balls.

Maddinson struck 26 off 16 before falling on the first ball of the final over, while Warner was left stranded at the non-striker’s end as Thunder finished on 189 for six.

The Thunder skipper remained unbeaten on a superb 110 off 65 balls, featuring 11 fours and four sixes.

For the Sixers, Sam Curran led the bowling effort with three wickets, while Starc, Edwards and Ben Manenti picked up one wicket apiece.

READ: New Zealand batter Tim Seifert set to miss PSL 11

Ashes heroes Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith to join Babar Azam at Sydney Sixers

Fresh off a dominant 4-1 Ashes triumph over England, Australian stars Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith are set to shift their focus to the Big Bash League (BBL), where they will join Pakistan superstar Babar Azam at the Sydney Sixers.

Both Starc and Smith confirmed their availability for the Sixers during Australia’s post-match press conference following the fifth Ashes Test, with several other Ashes-winning players also expected to feature in the ongoing Big Bash season.

For Starc, the return carries added significance as it will mark his first appearance for the Sixers since BBL 04, having featured in overall ten matches across four seasons.

Smith, meanwhile, is set to feature in his fourth consecutive Big Bash campaign, having delivered memorable performances in recent seasons, including an unbeaten 121 against the Perth Scorchers last year.

Starc capped off a sensational Ashes series by claiming the Compton-Miller Medal as Player of the Series, courtesy of 31 wickets and a vital 156 runs across five Tests.

Speaking after the series, the left-arm quick made it clear that the Big Bash is now his immediate priority.

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“I’m certainly not looking two years down the road just yet,” Mitchell Starc said when asked about the 2027 Ashes in England.

“I’ll pull on the magenta with the man [Smith] next to me. We’ll see if we can help the Sixers get to another final. Other than the BBL, I haven’t got too many plans other than a bit of golf.”

Starc, who retired from T20Is in October to manage his workload and extend his Test career, could make his Sixers return as early as Sunday, January 11, when Sydney face the Hobart Hurricanes at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

The timing of their arrival could prove crucial for the Sixers, who currently sit fourth on the BBL 15 points table with three wins and three losses.

Despite securing the services of global star Babar Azam, the Sixers are yet to fully hit top gear this season.

They most recently edged past Brisbane Heat in a low-scoring thriller at Coffs Harbour, chasing down just 115 to stay in the top-four hunt.

READ: Shaheen Afridi fires warning to India ahead of T20 World Cup clash

Steve Smith shatters multiple records with Sydney Ashes century

SYDNEY: Australia’s modern-day great Steve Smith produced another masterclass at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), breaking multiple records with an unbeaten century in the fifth Ashes Test against England.

Leading the side in Pat Cummins’ absence, Smith struck his first hundred of the series and remained unbeaten on 129 at stumps on day three, guiding Australia to 518 for 7 in reply to England’s 384.

The hosts ended the day with a commanding 134-run lead as Smith once again dictated terms in cricket’s oldest rivalry.

With this knock, Smith moved past England legend Jack Hobbs to become the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history, taking his tally to 3682 runs, now trailing only Sir Don Bradman’s seemingly untouchable mark of 5028.

Most Runs in Ashes History

Don Bradman (AUS) – 5028 runs in 37 matches
Steve Smith (AUS) – 3682* runs in 41* matches
Jack Hobbs (ENG) – 3636 runs in 41 matches
Alan Border (AUS) – 3222 runs in 42 matches
Steve Waugh (AUS) – 3173 runs in 45 matches

It also lifted him to second place on the list of most Ashes centuries, with 13 hundreds, again behind only Bradman, who scored 19.

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The century was Smith’s 18th as captain, six of which have come against England, the most by any skipper against a single opponent.

Most Ashes Hundreds

Don Bradman (AUS) – 19
Steve Smith (AUS) – 13
Jack Hobbs (ENG) – 12
Steve Waugh (AUS) – 10
Wally Hammond & David Gower (ENG) – 9

Smith’s run aggregate against England across formats now stands at 5085, placing him behind only Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli on the list of most international runs scored against a single opponent.

Additionally, Smith has now amassed 1225 runs at the SCG at an average of just over 72, including five centuries, figures surpassed only by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

Moreover, Smith also moved past Rahul Dravid to climb to seventh on the all-time list of Test centuries and is now just one hundred shy of equalling Kumar Sangakkara.

Most Test Hundreds

Sachin Tendulkar (IND) – 51
Jacques Kallis (SA) – 45
Ricky Ponting (AUS)/Joe Root (ENG) – 41
Kumar Sangakkara (SL) – 38
Steve Smith (AUS) – 37
Rahul Dravid (IND) – 36

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