Australia star batter Steve Smith has announced his retirement from ODI cricket after his side’s defeat against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final.
Smith top-scored for his team in the semi-final, played in Dubai, with a solid 73-run knock; however, Virat Kohli’s 84 powered India to victory.
The 35-year-old batter represented Australia in 170 ODIs since making his debut against the West Indies in 2010.
For the unversed, Smith started his career as a leg-spinning all-rounder before evolving into one of Australia’s finest batters.
During a 15-year-long ODI career, he amassed 5,800 runs at an impressive average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96.
His tally includes 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries, making him the 12th highest run-scorer for Australia in ODIs. His highest score of 164 came against New Zealand in 2016.
With the ball, he claimed 28 wickets, while his sharp fielding saw him pouch 90 catches.
A member of Australia’s 2015 and 2023 ICC World Cup winning teams, Smith became ODI captain in 2015 and held the captaincy in his final match on an interim basis in the absence of Pat Cummins.
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Among his ODI accolades, Smith was the Australian Men’s ODI Player of the Year in 2015 and 2021 and a member of the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year in 2015.
Steve Smith, while reflecting on his decision, described his ODI journey as a “great ride” filled with “amazing times and wonderful memories.” Winning two World Cups, he said, was among the standout moments of his career.
“It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said.
“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.”
“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.”
Although Steve Smith has announced his retirement from ODIs, he stressed that he is focused on Test cricket.
“Test cricket remains a priority, and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies tour in the winter, and then facing England at home. I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage.”
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