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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matthew Cooper

Australia legend Steve Smith makes "we'll see" retirement admission ahead of Ashes

Australia star Steve Smith has opened up about his future, admitting he does not know whether he will feature in another Test match at home.

Smith struck his 30th Test hundred against South Africa in Sydney in Australia's final Test of the summer, overtaking the legendary Sir Donald Bradman in the process. Next month, he will have a key role to play in Australia's tour of India before heading to England for the Ashes.

Smith will turn 34 ahead of the Ashes and has admitted he could retire after the series. When asked if he will be back in action for Australia's Test team next summer, Smith replied: "I don't know.

"We'll see. I'm enjoying it at the moment. I really can't say how long I'll play for. I'm not sure. Take it one tour at a time.

"Just enjoy it and enjoy training and trying to get better as well. Whilst I'm doing that I'm happy playing. But I don't know how long it'll last."

Smith has previously hinted he could retire earlier than expected, telling the Daily Telegraph in November: "I don't have a plan, but I’m 33 now. I've been playing international cricket for 13 years.

Smith scored his 30th Test hundred against South Africa at the SCG (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

"It's a long time. I'm still enjoying it, but I'm certainly closer to the end than the start, that's for sure."

However, former Australia spinner Kerry O'Keeffe believes recent adjustments Smith has made to his technique mean he still has plenty of years remaining at the pinnacle of the sport.

"He bats four, he's overcome the Neil Wagner [bouncer] barrage, he's changed his technique, I think that's added 18 months to two years to his game," O'Keeffe told Fox. "I think he'll go on Smith."

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