Sydney, Jan. 3 -- Steve Smith, Australia's stand-in captain in the ongoing Ashes series, dismissed the retirement speculations ahead of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), starting January 4.

Widely regarded as one of the best red-ball batters in cricket, Smith has endured a dip in his form over recent years, at least by his own standards.

Smith averaged over 70 in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019. Although Smith averaged over 50 in 2021, 2022, and 2025, he hasn't delivered the kind of impact that originally defined his reputation, leading to speculation about retirement.

However, speaking ahead of the Sydney Test, Smith said he's taking his career "day by day, series by series" and hasn't set an end date,...