Australian cricket captain Steve Smith has revealed that New York City has become a refuge from the pressures of his career, offering a chance for anonymity and mental recovery away from the spotlight. Smith, who has faced intense scrutiny since the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal, described the city as a place where he can live a normal life, free from the persistent focus on his sporting achievements.
Smith and his wife Dani own an apartment in New York, which he regards as an “escape” rather than a relocation from his true home of Sydney. Despite cricket’s growing popularity in the United States, Smith noted that the sport remains relatively niche in New York, allowing him to “fly under the radar” during their visits.
The batsman also addressed the circumstances surrounding a widely circulated photo capturing him alone at a Manhattan bar shortly after the controversy. Contrary to public perception that the image reflected a low point, Smith said he had just finished dinner with actor Hugh Jackman, who had arranged the meeting to offer support. “He’s a good man,” Smith said of Jackman, whom he connected with through mental health advocate Gus Worland.
While New York generally offers a peaceful retreat, Smith recounted a chaotic episode during the NBA Finals earlier this year. Attending a game with friends, he described violent clashes between fans of the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs spilling into the streets, prompting a police response with tear gas. The ensuing confusion inside a bar, where patrons mistakenly believed shots were fired, highlighted the intensity surrounding the event.
Smith has maintained a measured approach to training during his time in New York, having discovered a baseball batting cage under a local bridge for occasional practice but largely abstaining from the rigorous nets sessions he is known for. He attributes this lighter routine to his advancing age, aiming to preserve mental stamina for long innings as he contemplates extending his Test career into his late 30s. Smith envisions a potential swan song at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, by which time he will be 39.
Despite being left out of Australia’s initial T20 World Cup squad earlier this year and only joining as injury cover without featuring in the playing XI, Smith remains determined to compete in the upcoming inaugural T20 tournament at the Olympic Games. Acknowledging the strength of the Australian top order, he said his focus remains on performing when given opportunities to strengthen his case for selection.
On the question of retirement, Smith said he has no fixed plans, saying many players describe it as an intuitive decision that arrives unexpectedly. “I haven’t had that moment yet and hopefully it’s a little way off,” he said. “If it happens to me, it happens to me. We’ll wait and see.”