Steve Smith Retires from ODI Cricket After Storied Career
Veteran Australian batsman Steve Smith has officially announced his retirement from One-Day Internationals (ODIs), bringing an end to a glittering 14-year career in the format. The 35-year-old made the decision public on Wednesday, just a day after leading Australia to a semi-final exit at the Champions Trophy following a four-wicket loss to India in Dubai.
Smith, who was Australia’s top scorer with 73 runs in the semi-final, said he feels it is the right time to step aside and allow younger players to start preparing for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
“It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said in a statement from Cricket Australia. “Winning two World Cups was an incredible highlight, and I’ve been fortunate to share this journey with so many amazing teammates. Now is the right time to move on and allow others to step up.”
A Career Defined by Success
Smith made his ODI debut in 2010 as a spin-bowling all-rounder, but he soon transformed into one of the world’s best batsmen. Across 170 ODIs, he scored 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, including 12 centuries.
Some of his most iconic performances came during Australia’s World Cup triumphs:
- 2015 World Cup: Smith was a key figure in Australia’s home-soil victory, scoring five half-centuries, including an unbeaten 56 in the final against New Zealand.
- 2023 World Cup: Part of the squad that lifted the trophy in India, securing his legacy as a two-time World Cup winner.
Beyond his batting, Smith also served as Australia’s ODI captain from 2015 to 2018. His tenure was cut short following the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, which led to a one-year ban from international cricket. However, he made a remarkable comeback and once again became a senior leader in all three formats of the game.
Focus on Test and T20 Cricket
Despite stepping away from ODIs, Smith remains committed to Test and T20 cricket. He is particularly looking forward to upcoming Test series and the World Test Championship final.
“Test cricket remains my priority, and I’m really looking forward to the upcoming challenges, including the West Indies tour and England’s visit to Australia,” Smith said. “I still feel I have a lot to contribute in the longest format of the game.”
Tributes from Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, expressed full support for Smith’s decision, acknowledging his remarkable impact on Australian cricket.
“Steve has always been clear that he is taking his career series by series,” Bailey said. “His record as an ODI batter is exemplary, and leaving as a two-time World Cup champion cements his legacy as one of Australia’s greatest ODI players.”
As Smith shifts his focus to red-ball and T20 cricket, Australia will now look ahead to finding his replacement in the middle order as they build toward the next ODI World Cup.
