AUS vs SA: Steve Smith quashes rumors of early retirement

Australian cricket team can breathe a huge sigh of relief after batting superstar Steve Smith quashed rumors of his retirement on Friday during the third Test against the Proteas. Rumors of retirement picked pace after Smith's 'I really can't say how long I'll play for' comment following his 30th Test century. However, he has denied those claims, stating he has no plans of retiring any time soon.

Steve Smith went past the great Don Bradman's record of 29 centuries after compiling his 30th ton at the SCG during the third and final Test of the series against the Proteas. However, the batting ace created a stir following a cryptic presser, hinting at his future. 

After the media rigamarole pertaining to his retirement, Smith cleared the air in the latest interview with Fox Sports. He has no plans of retiring anytime soon and is excited about the upcoming assignments.

“I’m always very cryptic with that (retirement) stuff. But I’m not going anywhere, I’m comfortable with where everything is at, we’ve got a few good tours coming up, I’m excited, and I’m still trying to get better. Whilst I still have that hunger and eagerness to try and improve, particularly to help some of the batters coming through ... while I’m doing all that I’m enjoying myself and I have no plans for retirement,” the former skipper said during the rain delay on Friday.

Steve Smith had hinted at retirement in November

This isn't the first instance when the 33-year-old initiated speculation about his future as rumors of his retirement surfaced following a revealing interview in November. The Aussie did not give a clear indication of when he would retire but stated that he was 'certainly closer to the end than the start'.

“No, I don’t have a plan, but I’m 33 now. I’ve been playing international cricket for 13 years. It’s been a long time. I’m still enjoying it, but I’m certainly closer to the end than the start, that’s for sure,” he told The Daily Telegraph in November.

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