Australian cricketer Steve Smith has formally retired from One-Day International (ODI) cricket. The 35-year-old declared his sudden retirement on Wednesday, confirming that the next Champions Trophy semi-final match against India will be his last ODI game. Nevertheless, Smith will keep playing Test and T20 cricket.
Smith, who led Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 during injured skipper Pat Cummins' absence, told his team members about his decision after Tuesday's match. "My experience in ODIs has been unbelievable. I have loved every minute and made some great memories. Winning two World Cups is the pinnacle of my career," said Smith in a Cricket Australia release.
A Crucial Part of Australia’s World Cup Success
Smith was instrumental in Australia's success in the 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cups. He was also awarded as the 'ODI Player of the Year' in 2015 and 2021. "With Australia gearing up for the 2027 World Cup, I think this is the appropriate time to retire," he said. While retiring from ODIs, Smith was looking forward to the June World Test Championship final.
From Leg-Spinner to Batting Maestro
Smith's ODI career started as a leg-spinner, but he slowly transformed into a top-order batsman. During his 15-year career, he played 170 ODIs, making 5,800 runs at a rate of 43.28, with 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries. He also made contributions with the ball, taking 28 wickets in the format.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg praised Smith’s achievements. "Congratulations to Steve on an outstanding ODI career. He has delivered numerous match-winning performances for Australia," he said. George Bailey, chairman of the Australia selection committee, echoed similar sentiments, calling Smith one of Australia’s finest ODI players.
Smith's retirement concludes an era of Australian ODI cricket, but his legacy will be a major component of the country's cricket history.
