Australian Captain Steve Smith has decided to seal the chapter of his one-day international career by announcing his retirement after being knocked out of the Champions Trophy semi-final against India by 4 wickets at the Dubai International Stadium.
He will only be available to play tests and participate in the Twenty20 international tournaments.
Ranked as Australia’s 16th most capped men’s player in the 50-over format and 12th Highest score runner. The 35-year-old captained Australia in 64 one-day matches and made 170 appearances in his ODI career.
In a statement Cricket Australia released Smith said “It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it. Now is a great opportunity for people to prepare for the 2027 World Cup, so it feels like the right time to make way. Test cricket remains a priority, and I am looking forward to the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies (tour), and then England at home. I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage.”
Steve Smith’s career highlights date back to the year 2015 and 2023 in the ODI World Cup. In 2015 , he made five consecutive 50-plus scores including 105 in the semi-final win against India and 56 not out in the final against New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Due to his excellent performance on the field, he was named ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year in 2015 and was Australia’s ODI Player of the Year in 2014-2015 and 2020 -2021.
As tributes continue to pour in, the chairman of selectors of the Australian men’s cricket teams George Bailey praised Smith for his excellent batting skills, achievements, and the role he has played in one-day international cricket. “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 170 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 [national selection panel] standpoint, Steve remains fully committed to Test cricket and is an integral member of and leader within that team.”
Smith will now be preparing for the World Test Championship in June against South Africa at Lord’s and a test tour in the Caribbean. In November Australia will be hosting the Ashes against England.
