Australian cricket star Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket. His final ODI appearance was in the Champions Trophy semi-final against India in Dubai, where he scored a team-leading 73 runs, though Australia faced defeat.
Throughout his ODI career, the 35-year-old played 170 matches, accumulating 5800 runs with an average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96. His record includes 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries, positioning him as the 12th highest run-scorer for Australia in ODIs. His highest score was an impressive 164 against New Zealand in 2016. Initially starting as a leg-spinning all-rounder, Smith also claimed 28 wickets and 90 catches in ODIs.
According to a Cricket Australia statement, Smith informed his teammates about his immediate ODI retirement following the semi-final loss. He will continue to participate in Test cricket and Twenty20 Internationals. Smith expressed his satisfaction with his ODI journey, cherishing the “amazing times and wonderful memories,” particularly highlighting winning two World Cups and the camaraderie with teammates.
Smith stated that his retirement provides an opportunity for others to prepare for the 2027 World Cup, indicating it felt like the appropriate time to step aside. He reaffirmed his focus on Test cricket, expressing anticipation for upcoming events such as the World Test Championship Final and series against the West Indies and England.
A key member of Australia’s ODI World Cup-winning squads in 2015 and 2023, Smith also took on the ODI captaincy after Michael Clarke’s retirement. He led Australia in 64 ODIs, securing 32 wins and enduring 28 losses. He initially assumed captaincy for the Champions Trophy as a replacement for the injured Pat Cummins.
George Bailey, the chair of men’s selectors for Cricket Australia, conveyed his understanding and support for Smith’s decision. Bailey acknowledged Smith’s preference for a series-by-series approach to his career, which Cricket Australia respects.
Bailey lauded Smith’s exceptional batting performance in ODIs and emphasized his status as an Australian ODI legend, especially as a two-time World Cup winner. He reiterated Smith’s dedication to Test cricket and his crucial role within the Test team.
