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Prolific Australian batter Steve Smith has shut down all the speculations floating around in regards with his retirement call after his "I can’t say" comment post-30th Test century. The 33-year-old has been in good form recently and surpassed Sir Donald Brandman’s record of 29 centuries by scoring his 30th Test ton when he scored 104 off 192 in the 1st innings of Australia's batting during ongoing 3rd Test against South Africa.
However, Smith’s comment after the match was anticipated as a hint towards his retirement call and many cricket experts suggested that the Australian batter might take a call on his international appearance very soon. In a fresh development, former Australian captain has cleared the air around his retirement by stating that he is quite comfortable in his space and enjoying the responsibilities.
While speaking to the Fox Sports, Steve Smith said that he is not going anywhere and looking forward for upcoming assignments. “I am always very cryptic with that retirement stuff. But I am not going anywhere, I am comfortable with where everything, we have got a few good tours coming up, and I am excited,” Steve said. The top-order batter further claimed that he is still hungry to score more runs and till the time he has that feeling he will keep playing.
“While I still have that hunger and eagerness to improve, particularly to help some of the batter coming through. While I am doing all that and enjoying my responsibilities, I have no plans of retirement,” Smith said.
With 30 Test centuries, Smith has now joint-third most centuries by an Australian batter. Ricky Ponting (41), and Steve Waugh (32) are ahead of Smith. Mathew Hayden has 30 centuries in the format. Smith is also second quickest to score 30 Test centuries as he achieved the feat in 162 innings, only behind Sachin Tendulkar (159 innings). He is also the fourth-highest run-scorer for Australia, as he surpassed Michael Clarke (8643) and Hayden (8625) during his hundred in Sydney.