Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One-Day Internationals (ODIs) following his last match in the Champions Trophy semifinal against India, where he scored 73 runs. The 35-year-old played 170 ODIs, amassing 5800 runs at an average of 43.28, including 12 centuries. He leaves as Australia’s 12th highest run-scorer in ODIs and two-time World Cup champion. Smith, who started as a leg-spin bowler, also took 28 wickets. He will continue participating in Test cricket and T20 Internationals, expressing enthusiasm for future competitions and his strong commitment to the Test team.
GOODBYE
Steve Smith played 170 ODIs © Getty
The prominent Australian cricketer Steve Smith has declared his retirement from One-Day Internationals. His last ODI was during the Champions Trophy semifinal against India in Dubai, where he emerged as Australia’s top scorer with 73 runs, although the team was defeated.
At 35 years of age, Smith has played in 170 ODIs, accumulating 5800 runs with an impressive average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96, which includes 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries. He leaves the format as Australia’s 12th all-time run-scorer in ODIs, with his highest score being 164 against New Zealand in 2016. Initially debuting as a leg-spinning allrounder, he also achieved 28 wickets and 90 catches over his ODI career.
As stated in a media release from Cricket Australia, Smith informed his teammates right after the semifinal that he would be retiring from ODIs with immediate effect. Nevertheless, he will remain available for Test matches and Twenty20 Internationals. “It has been an incredible journey and I have enjoyed every moment,” Smith expressed. “There have been countless remarkable experiences and cherished memories. Winning two World Cups stands out as a significant highlight, along with the great teammates who have been part of this journey.”
“Now seems like the perfect time for new players to begin preparing for the 2027 World Cup,” he mentioned. “Test cricket will be a key focus for me, and I’m excited about the upcoming World Test Championship Final, the West Indies tour in the winter, and then facing England at home. I believe I still have much to contribute on that front.”
Smith was a valuable part of Australia’s World Cup-winning teams in 2015 and 2023 and stepped into the captaincy of the ODI side following Michael Clarke’s retirement. He led the team in 64 matches, with a record of 32 wins and 28 losses, alongside four no-results. He also took over as the interim captain for the Champions Trophy due to Pat Cummins’ injury.
Commenting on Smith’s decision, George Bailey, chair of men’s selectors, stated: “We completely understand and endorse Steve’s choice to retire from One Day International cricket. Steve has frequently expressed that he is viewing the remainder of his playing career on a series-by-series basis, and this stance hasn’t changed, which Cricket Australia fully supports.”
“His accomplishments as a batter across 167 games are outstanding, and exiting the format as a two-time World Cup winner secures his legacy as one of the finest Australian ODI players. From the NSP perspective, Steve remains wholly committed to Test cricket and plays a crucial role as a leader in that team.”
© Cricbuzz