Melbourne [Australia], March 5 : Australian cricket star Steve Smith has officially announced his retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket, concluding a remarkable 50-over career following Australia’s four-wicket loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai. Despite his departure from ODIs, the 35-year-old will continue to represent Australia in Test and T20I formats, with a potential focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will be played in the T20I format.
Smith expressed gratitude for his time in ODIs, stating, “It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it.” He added, “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.” He also explained that his decision to retire from ODIs felt timely, allowing for the preparation of younger players for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The right-handed batsman’s career in ODIs spanned 170 matches, where he scored 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28. His record includes 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 164 against New Zealand in 2016. Smith captained Australia in 64 ODIs, maintaining a 50% win record, and led the team to several victories, including a series win against England and India in 2016 and a 3-0 series sweep over the West Indies in 2023-24.
Smith’s ODI career was marked by significant contributions to Australia’s World Cup-winning squads in 2015 and 2023. In the 2015 final, he sealed the victory with the winning runs against New Zealand, and in the 2019 World Cup, he played a crucial role in Australia’s progress to the semifinals. Smith’s ODI retirement was also marked by his final match in the format, where he top-scored with 73 off 96 balls before being dismissed by Mohammed Shami.
The decision to retire from ODIs also signals a new phase for Australia’s cricket team as they transition towards the 2027 World Cup. With key players like David Warner already stepping away from international cricket and other veterans nearing the end of their careers, Australia is focused on rebuilding. Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey, and Adam Zampa are among those approaching the later stages of their playing careers.
Smith’s retirement has been met with support from Cricket Australia and the National Selection Panel (NSP). George Bailey, Chair of the NSP, praised Smith’s contributions, stating, “Steve’s record as a batter across 170 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.”
Cricket Australia’s CEO, Todd Greenberg, also acknowledged Smith’s stellar contributions, saying, “Congratulations to Steve on an amazing One-Day International career during which he has made a vast contribution to Australia’s performances in the 50-over format.” Greenberg added that Smith’s leadership and ability to accumulate runs in all conditions were pivotal in Australia’s success, especially in the 2015 and 2023 World Cup victories.
Looking ahead, Smith remains a key figure for Australia in Test cricket, and with his focus shifting to T20I cricket, his career continues to evolve. Cricket fans can look forward to more contributions from one of the game’s greats in the coming years.