Steve Smith has ticked just about every box he can in the game of cricket. 32 Test hundreds, multiple World Cups, countless Ashes moments, and a seat among the best to ever bat in the modern game. But for all of that, the Australian great says he is looking forward to two upcoming challenges more than any others: a final home Ashes series with England, and the chance to wear the green and gold for its 2028 Olympic debut in Los Angeles.

The Ashes Obsession

Smith will be back in the forefront for Australia's plans when England visits for the Ashes later this year. The rivalry remains the most historic contest in cricket, and Smith, who is third on the list of Ashes runs behind Sir Donald Bradman and Allan Border, is excited about another chapter. 

"I watched a lot of the series over in India and it was one of the best Test series I've seen in a long time," Smith said on Sky Sports. "The cricket that was played by both sides was exceptional. England's got a good team at the moment, and they are obviously playing a really aggressive brand of cricket. Coming down to Australia, especially for their batters, will be a huge challenge. The pitches for the last three or four years have been really tricky."

Australia's bowling depth continues to be its biggest strength, and with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, they have one of the most experienced attacks in world cricket. "We have a very experienced bowling lineup that has been extremely successful for a long time," Smith added. "I think it's going to be a great series."

He also mentioned Joe Root's brilliant patch of form. "His ability to go from 50 to 100 time and time again has been incredible. He hasn't scored a hundred in Australia yet, and I'm sure that's something he wants to tick off his list too."

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The Olympics Dream

Outside of the urn, though, Smith's interest piques in the possibility of something brand new. Cricket is back in the Olympic Games for the first time in 128 years at LA28 (which happens to be 35-year-old Smith's CDL - career-defining like). Smith concedes it's hard to resist the prospect of being involved in such a global entity, especially when he is standing on the precipice of human history.

“I heard cricket was going to be involved, I thought that would be cool to be a part of,” Smith told Sky Sports. “I've played in lots of World Cups and Ashes and Border-Gavaskar Trophies, but this is something new. A new opportunity to represent your nation on the world stage. I'd love to be a part of that. But still a fair bit away, so we'll see."

In Los Angeles, the men's and women's T20 tournaments will be cricket's grand re-entrance into the Olympic Games. For players like Smith, who have achieved their success in traditional match formats, the Olympic Games present a unique opportunity to showcase cricket to a new audience and write a new chapter in history.

A Legacy Still Unfolding

Smith, at a time when most have begun to slow down, is still motivated. A new Ashes series, a potential Olympic appearance, and the chance to inspire generations mean he remains hungry. 

"I’ve always been a fan of the Olympics since I was a kid, and watching Australian representatives compete has always given me a really good feeling. It would be an amazing feeling to do that in cricket," he said. 

Whether lifting the urn on home soil or chasing gold across the ocean in Los Angeles, Steve Smith isn’t finished yet. His career, already considered one of the greatest in Australian cricket, still has chapters left to fill.