Australia’s cricket legend, Steve Smith, has officially retired from One-Day Internationals (ODIs) following an illustrious career. His final appearance in the format was in the Champions Trophy semifinal against India in Dubai, where he top-scored for Australia with 73 runs, despite the team’s loss.
The 35-year-old middle-order batter played 170 ODIs, amassing 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96. With 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries, he ranks 12th on Australia’s all-time ODI run-scorers list. His highest ODI score of 164 came against New Zealand in 2016. Notably, Smith started his career as a leg-spinner, securing 28 wickets and 90 catches in ODIs.
Following the 2023 ICC Champions Trophy semifinal loss, Smith informed his teammates of his immediate retirement from ODIs. However, he remains committed to Test cricket and T20 Internationals. Reflecting on his ODI journey, Smith stated, “It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it. Winning two World Cups was a highlight, alongside incredible teammates.”
Smith played a crucial role in Australia’s 2015 and 2023 World Cup victories. He also served as the ODI captain after Michael Clarke’s retirement, leading the team in 64 matches with 32 wins and 28 losses.
With his retirement, Australia’s focus now shifts to nurturing young talents ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Smith, however, reaffirmed his dedication to Test cricket, looking forward to the World Test Championship Final and series against West Indies and England.
Chair of men’s selectors, George Bailey, praised Smith’s outstanding ODI career and fully supported his decision. He emphasized Smith’s continued importance in the Test squad, where he remains a pillar of Australian cricket.
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