Steve Smith dismisses retirement rumors ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australian batsman Steve Smith, has firmly stated that he has no immediate plans to retire from cricket. 

Smith, who signed a three-year deal with the Sixers, is set to play in a few BBL matches over the summer, in between Australia's final Test match against India and their tour of Sri Lanka.

Despite being excluded from Australia's squad for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in the US and the Caribbean, Smith remains committed to playing across all formats. 

"I don't have any retirement plans, I'm just enjoying playing at the moment. I'm pretty relaxed and I'm looking forward to this summer," Smith said.

"I think I'll get a few (BBL) games in this year and then we'll see where we go from there. Every chance I get, I jump at it," he added.

In the recent home summer, Smith took up the opening position for Australia against the West Indies and New Zealand, a role he filled following David Warner's retirement from Test cricket after the series against Pakistan. 

Although his career batting average stands impressively at 56.97, his performance as an opener yielded only 171 runs in eight innings at an average of 28.25.

The opening batter hinted that his teammates may prefer him back at number four, where he has traditionally batted throughout most of his Test career. However, he remains uncertain about his position for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, which begins at Perth Stadium on November 22. 

"The conversations I've had so far are that we'll go to England and the boys will have the T20s, and then I'm there for the one-dayers and we'll make a decision after that," he said.

"Those conversations are happening in the background. I saw some comments that Usman (Khawaja) made and I think he said he likes me down at number four, and I think Marnus (Labuschagne) is of a similar thought pattern.

"I'm happy wherever and I'll bat anywhere for the team. For me it's just a position."

It is worth noting that India and Australia are scheduled to clash in the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which comprises of five Test matches and will be held in Australia from November 22, 2024, to January 3, 2025.