Dubai, March 5 — Steve Smith announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) following Australia’s Champions Trophy semi-final defeat to India on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old, who top-scored with 73 in the match, informed his teammates immediately after the loss that it was his last ODI. However, he will continue playing Test and T20 cricket.
“It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said.
“Winning two World Cups was a great highlight, along with the many fantastic teammates who shared the journey. Now is the right time to step aside and let others prepare for the 2027 World Cup.”
He spoke about his commitment to Test cricket, citing the upcoming World Test Championship Final, a tour of the West Indies, and an Ashes series at home as his key priorities.
Smith finishes his ODI career with 5,800 runs from 170 matches, including 12 centuries. More significantly, he retires as a two-time World Cup winner, having been part of Australia’s title-winning squads in 2015 under Michael Clarke and 2023 under Pat Cummins.
Taking over as captain in 2015, Smith led Australia in 64 ODIs, securing 32 victories. His tenure saw series wins over England and India, the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, and a tri-series triumph in the Caribbean.
More recently, he guided Australia to a 3-0 clean sweep against the West Indies in the 2023-24 home season.
Cricket Australia’s Chairman of Selectors, George Bailey, acknowledged Smith’s contribution, stating, “His record as a batter across 167 games is exemplary, and leaving 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.”
Smith made his international debut in 2010 as a leg-spinning all-rounder against the West Indies before evolving into one of Australia’s finest batters.
He also contributed with the ball, taking 28 ODI wickets at an average of 34.67.
His performances earned him the Australian Men’s ODI Player of the Year award in 2015 and 2021, along with a spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year in 2015.
