The star batsman from Australia, Steve Smith, has announced his retirement from ODI cricket. The middle-order batsman announced it after the Champions Trophy exit in the semi-final against India.
In the Champions Trophy semi-final against India in Dubai, he top-scored for Australia with 73 runs in a losing cause. He was 35 years old at the time of his ODI retirement.
He has played 170 ODI matches for Australia and scored 5800 runs at an average of 43.28. His tally also includes 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries as well. He finished his career as the 12th-highest run-getter for Australia in One Day Internationals.
“It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said. “There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight along with the many fantastic teammates who shared the journey.
“Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup so it feels like the right time to make way. Test cricket remains a priority and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies in the winter, and then England at home. I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage.”
He was also part of Australia’s ODI World Cup winning team in 2015 and 2023. He was also named captain of the Australian team after the retirement of Micheal Clarke.
Smith captained Australia in 64 matches and won 32 of them and lost 28. Four matches ended in no results. He took over the captaincy of the Australian team from Pat Cummins on an interim basis for the Champions Trophy. Pat was out of the tournament due to an injury.
George Bailey, the chief selector of the Australian team also supported Smith in his decision to retire from ODI cricket.
He said: “We fully understand and support Steve’s decision to retire from One Day International cricket. Steve has said on many occasions he is approaching the remainder of his playing career on a series-by-series basis, a position which hasn’t changed and one Cricket Australia supports.
“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 of and leader within that team.”
