Steve Smith announces retirement from ODIs a day after defeat against India in Champions Trophy semi-final

Steve Smith announces retirement from ODIs a day after defeat against India in Champions Trophy semi-final (AFP Photo)

Steve Smith on Wednesday announced retirement from the ODI format. The development comes a day after Smith-led Australia endured a defeat against India in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Smith's final outing in the 50-over format saw him score 73 off 96 balls, a vital contribution which helped Australia post a respectable 264 after they won the toss and opted to bat.

"It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said in a statement to Cricket Australia. “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," he added.

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Smith made his debut as a leg-spinning all-rounder and transitioned into a fine batting talent, which placed him among the Fab 4, featuring Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Kane Williamson. He featured in 170 ODIs, in which he amassed 5800 runs at an average of 43.28. Smith also has 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries under his name and ends his career as the 12th highest run-getter for Australia in ODIs. Smith's highest score of 164 was against New Zealand in 2016. He also picked 28 wickets and took 90 catches.

As per the media release by Cricket Australia, Smith immediately informed his teammates about the decision after the semi-final in Dubai. He, however, will continue to deliver his services in the T20I and Test format.

"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," he said. "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."

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Smith was part of Australia's ODI World Cup-winning squad in 2015 and 2023. He also led Australia in the 50-over format after taking the baton from Michael Clarke after his retirement. Smith led Australia in 64 matches, in which the team won 32 times and lost 28 while four produced no results. Smith was also seen leading a depleted Australian squad in the Champions Trophy on an interim basis as regular skipper Pat Cummins was ruled out of tournament due to an injury.

Reflecting his thoughts on Smith's retirement, 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. 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."