Australia batter Steve Smith shocked the cricketing fraternity on Wednesday as he announced his retirement from ODI cricket. Smith's decision follows Australia’s exit from the Champions Trophy 2025, where they lost to India in the semi-final 1 by four wickets.
As reported, Smith informed his teammates about his decision to retire after the defeat against India. With Pat Cummins injured, he was leading Australia on an interim basis and walked into the sunset, playing his final ODI match as the captain of the team.
In his last ODI, Smith top-scored for Australia, accumulating 73 runs off 96 balls. He was dismissed by Mohammad Shami.
Smith has an eye at the World Test Championship final, scheduled in June this year between Australia and South. He will continue to represent Australia in Tests and T20Is.
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As revealed himself by Smith, his retirement decision is influenced by Australia’s need to try out new players prior to the 2027 ODI World Cup. He feels it is the right time for him to make way for the youngsters.
"It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it. There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight along with the many fantastic team-mates who shared the journey,” Smith said as quoted in a statement.
"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 added.
Steve Smith’s ODI Stats
The 35-year-old made his ODI debut in 2010 against the West Indies. He ended his career, featuring in 170 ODIs, scoring 5,800 runs, the 12th highest for Australia. He hammered 35 fifties and 12 hundreds. He started his career as a leg-spinner and took 28 wickets.
Smith led Australia in 64 ODIs out of which he won 32 matches.
He also won two ODI World Cups in 2015 and 2023 respectively. He was named the Australian Men ODI Player of the Year in 2015 and 2021.
