Steve Smith Announces Retirement from One-Day Internationals

Australia’s star batter, Steve Smith, has officially announced his retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket. His final appearance in the format was during the Champions Trophy semifinal against India in Dubai, where he top-scored for Australia with 73 runs, despite the team’s loss.

The 35-year-old, who played 170 ODIs, scored 5800 runs at an average of 43.28, including 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries. Smith is ranked as the 12th highest run-scorer for Australia in ODIs, with his highest score of 164 runs coming against New Zealand in 2016. A former legspinning allrounder, he also picked up 28 wickets and took 90 catches during his career.

Following the semifinal loss, Smith informed his teammates that he would retire from ODIs immediately. However, he confirmed that he will continue to play in Test cricket and Twenty20 Internationals. Reflecting on his career, Smith expressed his gratitude for the journey, noting winning two World Cups as major highlights. He added that it was the right time for others to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup.

Smith was part of Australia’s World Cup-winning squads in 2015 and 2023 and served as captain in 64 ODI matches, leading the team to 32 victories. His leadership came after the retirement of Michael Clarke and included an interim captaincy during the Champions Trophy when Pat Cummins was injured.

Cricket Australia’s men’s selector chair, George Bailey, expressed full support for Smith’s decision, acknowledging his outstanding ODI career and his continued commitment to Test cricket. Smith’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished chapter in Australian ODI cricket.