Australia star batsman Steve Smith makes massive statement on retirement rumours

Steve Smith played a vital 71-run knock in Australia's first innings in the ongoing 5th Ashes Test vs ENG

Steve Smith is probably the best modern-day batter when it comes to the longest format of the game. The former Australia captain has been a force to be reckoned with for his team and has bailed them out of misery on numerous occasions with his brilliant performances. Though his current batting form hasn't done justice to his stature, it has shown glimpses at times.

He played an important knock of 71 runs in Australia's first innings to help his team. Meanwhile, there were some rumors claiming Smith's test retirement. But the champion batter has dismissed all such speculations and made it clear that he is not going anywhere. He also claimed that he was unaware of how the reports of his test retirement started doing the rounds.

"I am not going anywhere yet"- Steve Smith dismissed his retirement rumors

Notably, former English captain Michael Vaughan said a few days ago in an interview that he heard some rumors about Steve Smith and David Warner taking retirements from red-ball cricket after the conclusion of the fifth and final Ashes test. On the other hand, at the end of the second day of the fifth test, Smith dismissed such reports and said that he didn't have any plans to retire very soon.

He also spoke on his 71-run innings and said that it was a good innings after the WTC final. Smith said, "I'm not retiring. I have no idea (where it's come from) because I haven't said it to anyone. I am not going anywhere yet. I felt pretty good. Today is the best I have batted maybe outside of the Test Championship (final). I would have liked more runs (on this tour)."

Speaking of the game, batting first, England posted a first-inning total of 283 runs. Harry Brook was the top scorer for them, scoring 85 runs off 91 balls. Mitchell Starc took 4/82. In response, Australia were struggling at 185/7, despite Smith's top knock. But the visitors recovered well, with some useful contributions from the tails. They scored 295 runs in their innings and took a 12-run lead.