Steve Smith Announces Retirement from ODI Cricket After Champions Trophy Exit
By Shreyasi Talukdar 5 hours ago
Steve Smith has announced retirement from One Day Internationals. The star Australia batter eventually last played his ODI in the Champions Trophy semifinal against India. he top scored for Australia with 73 in a losing cause on Wednesday.
Steve Smith bids adieu to ODI cricket
Steve Smith, the middle-order batter has been one of the mainstays for Australia for quite a long time. In 170 ODIs, he scored 5800 runs at an average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96. the 35-year-old added 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries to his name since his ODI debut in 2010 against West Indies. He also took 28 wickets and 90 catches after debuting as legspinning all-rounder. Smith’s highest individual score came against New Zealand when he smashed a brilliant 164 in 2016. He finished his career as the 12th highest run-getter for Australia in ODIs.
Smith was part of Australia’s World Cup winning campaign in 2015 and 2023. He captained the side in the 50-over format following the retirement of Michael Clarke. He led Australia in 64 matches, winning 32 and losing 28, with for no results. He also was leading the side in the Champions Trophy as an interim captain in place of Pat Cummins who was out the tournament due to injury.
Smith, speaking of his ODI career, said, “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.”
Smith to be available for Test and T20
He informed that he would be available for the other two formats and also opined, “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”. Smith mentioned, “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.”
According to a Cricket Australia media release, Smith told his team-mates just after the semifinal loss about his immediate retirement from ODI cricket. Speaking about Smith’s decision, George Bailey, the chair of men’s selectors, said: “We fully understand and support Steve’s decision to retire from One Day International cricket. Steve has said on many occasions he is approaching the remainder of his playing career on a series-by-series basis, a position which hasn’t changed and one Cricket Australia supports.”
He added, “His record as a batter across 167 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. From an NSP standpoint, Steve remains fully committed to Test cricket and is an integral member of and leader within that team.”
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