The Ashes: Steve Smith indicates he will look to play until at least 2027 World Test Championship final

Steve Smith has given the strongest indication yet he could play on into the 2027 Ashes, with Usman Khawaja’s exit making his top-order experience more crucial. Smith on Saturday ruled out any chance of this SCG Test against England being his last, with the 36-year-old having long taken a series-by-series approach to his future. Australia host Bangladesh in two Tests in Mackay and Darwin in August, kicking off the busiest 12-month stretch in the team’s history. Three Tests follow in South Africa, before four at home against New Zealand. There is a five-Test series in India next January and February, before the 150-year anniversary match against England in March ahead of the 2027 Ashes. Australia are also top of the World Test Championship ladder, with that final the start of the 2027 England tour. Asked whether the Australian team would ideally remain stable through that period with no long gaps, Smith indicated that was something he had considered. “Ultimately, you probably want a group of players that you can get to and have playing in that cycle to get to the World Test Championship final,” Smith said. “But I guess that’s a question for coach and selectors as well. “I’ve still got a while before that as well. It’s things I’m thinking about all the time. “With Usman dropping off now, it’s one of our experienced players, so it probably wouldn’t be ideal if him and I went out this week, for instance.” Asked directly whether there was any chance this Test match in Sydney could be his last with Australia up 3-1 in the series, Smith was unequivocal. “Nah (it won’t be),” he said. “I’m enjoying it. It’s fun. We’ve got a really good team. “The team we’ve had over the last three or four years, obviously making two World Test Championship finals, different people have stood up at different times. “It’s never been one or two people just getting the job done. It’s been shared across and guys have done great jobs throughout. “It’s been good to be part of and as an older player now hopefully I can help some of the players coming through and teach them the game of Test cricket. “I guess that’s my role now.” Smith playing on until the 2027 Ashes would be a massive boost to Australia’s hopes of winning their first series in England since 2001. Only Don Bradman has scored more centuries than Smith’s seven as a touring player in England. Australia coach Andrew McDonald indicated last week he felt Smith had an appetite to push on for longer, compared to when he first spoke of a Test-by-Test approach years ago. Mitchell Starc also indicated his desire to tour England in 2027 after Australia wrapped up the Ashes in Adelaide a fortnight ago. Nathan Lyon has previously spoken about wanting to be on that tour at age 40, with no end also in sight for him. Pat Cummins would be expected to be there, while Josh Hazlewood’s fitness will be a key issue over the next 18 months. All batters other than Khawaja look likely to push on, with Smith now the oldest among that group.