Overview
- The 25-year-old went unsold at the IPL 2026 auction and called the setback a blessing in disguise for his red-ball focus.
- He is working on adjustments at The Oval and expects to implement them across six or seven County Championship matches.
- Smith aims to push back into England contention ahead of the home Test summer, which begins in June against New Zealand.
- He reflected on a draining period that included 211 runs across five Ashes Tests and long spells in the field during a five-Test India series.
- Despite missing out this year, he says he still aspires to play in the IPL in future seasons.