Steve Smith tempted to extend career to coincide with cricket's return to the Olympics

While he has no plans to hang up his bat, Smith will be 39 by the time of the next Olympic Games and was left out of Australia's squad for the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and United States in June.

With T20s assigned as the format that will mark cricket's first appearance at an Olympics in 128 years, Smith has a battle on his hands to be involved but he hinted he is ready for the challenge.

Smith, who has signed a three-year deal to remain with Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, told reporters: "I could still be playing T20 cricket in four years, so you never know.

"It's a format I can see myself playing probably for a lot longer than some of the others, especially with the franchise stuff around the world.

"I've signed on here for three years (with the Sixers) so it's only another year after that. It would be cool to be part of an Olympics."

While not currently in Australia's T20 plans, Smith remains a key part of their Test and ODI line-ups and the 35-year-old insisted he has not given any thought to winding down following the international retirement of long-time team-mate David Warner earlier this year.

"I don't have any plans, I'm just enjoying playing at the moment. I'm pretty relaxed and I'm looking forward to this summer," Smith added. "Every chance I get, I jump at it."