Steven Smith has announced his retirement from One Day International cricket after Australia’s recent match against India. He told his teammates about his decision following the game. While stepping back from ODIs, Smith remains dedicated to playing Test cricket and has mentioned his anticipation for the upcoming Ashes series.
Smith, aged 35, communicated his retirement after the loss to India in Dubai, confirming that his last ODI has been played. This means he will not participate in the 2027 ODI World Cup, despite having captained the Champions Trophy team in Pat Cummins’ absence.
“It has been a fantastic journey and I have enjoyed every moment,” Smith stated. “There have been numerous incredible moments and cherished memories. Winning two World Cups was a major highlight, along with the many wonderful teammates I shared this journey with.”
“Now is the right time for others to prepare for the 2027 World Cup, so it feels like the appropriate moment to step aside.”
“Test cricket is still a priority for me, and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship final, the series against the West Indies, and then the Ashes at home. I believe I still have a significant contribution to make in Test cricket.”
Smith has consistently stated his career approach as series-by-series in all formats, especially concerning retirement questions over the past few years.
By referencing the Ashes later in the year, he indicates his commitment for at least the next home season. His plans beyond that are uncertain, although future series against India and England in 2027 are possibilities.
Currently, Smith is not part of Australia’s T20I plans, having been excluded from the 2024 T20 World Cup squad. However, he has expressed interest in representing Australia at the 2028 Olympic Games in T20 cricket and is available for selection if needed.
Smith retires from ODIs as one of Australia’s most accomplished batsmen in this format, despite ranking 12th in Australia’s all-time ODI run-scorers. Only five players have scored more than his 12 ODI centuries, and among those five, only David Warner has a superior batting average.
Smith played a crucial role in Australia’s ODI World Cup victories in 2015 and 2023. In the 2015 World Cup, he achieved five consecutive scores of fifty or more, including a century in the semi-final against India and an unbeaten half-century in the final against New Zealand.
He was selected for the ICC men’s ODI team of the year in 2015 and was recognized as Australia’s ODI player of the year in both 2014-15 and 2020-21.
Smith captained Australia in 64 ODIs from 2015 to 2025. Only a few Australian captains have led in more ODIs, although Smith is unique in not having captained the team in a World Cup.
George Bailey, Chair of selectors, acknowledged Smith’s decision, stating Cricket Australia’s support and highlighting Smith’s exemplary record and legacy as a two-time World Cup winner.
Todd Greenberg, CA chief executive, also praised Smith’s significant contribution to Australian ODI cricket over his 16-year career.
Australia’s next scheduled ODI series is against South Africa in August. Smith is committed to playing for Welsh Fire in The Hundred during the same period, and his ODI retirement may allow him to participate in more franchise cricket as his career progresses.
Key players mentioned include Steven Smith, George Bailey, Pat Cummins, Todd Greenberg, and David Warner. Events referenced are the Champions Trophy, 2027 ODI World Cup, World Test Championship final, Ashes series, 2024 T20 World Cup, and 2028 Olympic Games.
