Champion batsman Steve Smith is determined to live in the present as he prepares for the series against Pakistan and is not canvassing any thoughts beyond the next Test match.
The 34-year-old, who will play his 103rd Test in the match against Pakistan beginning on Thursday in Perth, has been the subject of speculation about his playing future this year.
During an extended chat with Fox Cricket on Monday, the 2015 ICC Cricketer of the Year said he was focusing on the task ahead rather than marshalling his thoughts for the future.
“I really just don’t like to look too far ahead. And, you know, I take it series by series, game by game, and just enjoy myself in the moment,” he told Foxsports.com.au.
“We’ll sort all that stuff out and whatever legacy, whatever that looks like, that is not really something for me to bother about, really.
“I’m not really fussed (about that). Other people can talk about that kind of thing. I just go about my business day by day and just enjoy it.”
His manager Warren Craig responded to chatter about Smith’s retirement earlier this month when telling the Sydney Morning Herald he could “debunk that at this point in time.”
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The former Australian captain was hard at work on Monday in Perth during what was an optional training day for the national team at the WACA Ground.
Smith was the first Australian batsman into the middle, batting through a series of throwdowns during a 30-minute session as the temperature reached 32C in Perth.
The WACA Ground holds fond memories for the New South Welshman, who recorded his maiden Test century on home soil there a decade ago during an Ashes series.
Despite the intense year Australia has experienced, Smith said he was enjoying his role as the vice-captain and revelling in a mentorship role with younger batsmen.
“I like to go about my business and, particularly if there are any young players coming through, I want to try and help them where I can,” he said.
“My door is always open if any of the young betters want to talk about anything and have a conversation. I’m there to help them learn from, I guess, my experiences as well.
“And then supporting the captain as well. That’s my job as vice captain, to help him wherever I can. It’s been fun. I’m enjoying it.”
Fox Cricket’s extended interview with Steve Smith will be available on Foxsports.com.au leading into the opening Test of the summer against Pakistan.
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