Steve Smith announces retirement from ODI cricket

Australia’s batter, Steve Smith, has announced his retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket following his team’s exit from the Champions Trophy. The 35-year-old played his final ODI in the semifinal against India in Dubai, where he top-scored for Australia with 73 runs, although his efforts were not enough to prevent a defeat.

In a statement released by Cricket Australia, Smith informed his teammates of his decision to retire from ODIs immediately after the semifinal match. However, he will continue to be available for Test cricket and T20 Internationals.

Reflecting on his ODI career, Smith expressed his gratitude for the journey. 

“It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said. 

“There have been so many amazing moments and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight, along with the many fantastic teammates who shared the journey,” he added. 

Smith explained that his retirement would open up opportunities for younger players to prepare for the 2027 World Cup. 

“Now is a great opportunity for players to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it feels like the right time to step aside,” he further added. 

“Test cricket remains a priority, and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies tour in the winter, and then the Ashes at home. I feel I still have a lot to contribute at that level,” he further explained. 

The right-handed batter was a key figure in Australia’s ODI World Cup-winning teams in 2015 and 2023. He captained the team after Michael Clarke's retirement, leading Australia in 64 matches, winning 32 and losing 28, with four no-results. Smith briefly resumed the captaincy during the Champions Trophy, standing in for the injured Pat Cummins.

George Bailey, the chair of Cricket Australia's selection panel, commented on Smith’s decision to retire, saying, "We fully understand and support Steve's decision to retire from One-Day International cricket. Steve has said on many occasions that he is approaching the remainder of his playing career on a series-by-series basis, a position that hasn't changed and one Cricket Australia supports." 

Bailey added, "His record as a batter across 167 games is exemplary, and to leave the format as a two-time World Cup winner cements his legacy as one of the great Australian ODI players. From an NSP standpoint, Steve remains fully committed to Test cricket and is an integral member and leader within that team."

Smith’s ODI career spanned 170 matches, in which he scored 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96. He notched up 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries, making him the 12th-highest run-scorer for Australia in ODIs. His highest score of 164 came against New Zealand in 2016. 

Initially debuting as a leg-spinning all-rounder, Smith also contributed with the ball, taking 28 wickets and completing 90 catches in the field.