Steve Smith during Australia's training (Source: AFP Photos)There is only one batter who has more runs in the history of the Ashes than Steve Smith, and he is none other than the man himself, Donald Bradman. While Bradman averages 89.78 with 5028 runs in 63 innings, Smith has 3703 runs in 74 innings, averaging 56.10.With The Ashes 2027 schedule already announced, many eyes will be on Smith once again when England and Australia face each other in whites next year. However, the 37-year-old himself is not sure whether he will be there when the action begins in England next June.Steve Smith Drops International Retirement HintOne of the integral members of Martin Crowe’s ‘Fab Four’ in cricket, Smith has done remarkably well throughout the illustrious career that he is still having for Australia. Nevertheless, that could end soon, as Smith told The Telegraph that he is unsure whether he will keep playing for the country until The Ashes 2027. “I don’t know if I’ll play in the Ashes next summer,” Smith was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.Smith has not been doing well in the inaugural ETPL 2026. Playing for Amsterdam Flames, he has only 96 runs across six innings, with the most recent knock reading a questionable 27-ball 25.Also Read: Cheteshwar Pujara Exposes Steve Smith And Australia's Cheap Tactics In Brain FadeEven though there is no direct link between ETPL 2026 and The Ashes, as the former competition is played in T20 format, there is no doubt that he lacks the good old touch lately, which might potentially prompt him to rethink his future.Steve Smith's Recent Test FormWhen it comes to Test cricket, Smith still has the audacity to dominate like no other with the bat. In 2026, he averages 61.4 with 307 runs across five innings. Of them, he has a century in the Ashes at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January.In total, Smith had made 286 runs across eight innings in the previous Ashes campaign, averaging 57.20. As the numbers tell the story, there is absolutely no need for him to retire immediately for Australia’s betterment.However, if he feels exhausted or there might be other personal reasons for an immediate retirement, he might hang up his boots soon.What's Next For Smith After Cricket?Along with playing cricket, Smith had already made his broadcasting debut, a potential job for him in the future. In 2023, he joined Star Sports Network’s expert panel for the IPL, a tournament in which he had previously participated.Besides, Steve Smith has worked for several reputable broadcasters, including BBC Sport and Fox Sports. Thus, it can be easily said that he has future in broadcasting once he takes the retirement from playing cricket.Nevertheless, he might join a coaching setup as well, like some of his country’s all-time greats, Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, among others.Also Read: Abhishek Sharma Threatens Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Records In IND vs AFG 2nd T20I
