Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket after top-scoring in Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against India on Tuesday.
He informed his teammates after the match that he would step away from the format immediately but would continue playing Test and T20 cricket.
Smith retires as one of Australia’s most accomplished ODI players. Since making his debut as a leg-spinning all-rounder against the West Indies in 2010, he played 170 ODIs, scoring 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, including 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries, while also taking 28 wickets.
A key member of Australia’s 2015 and 2023 World Cup-winning teams, Smith captained the ODI side from 2015 and led the team one last time in his final match in the absence of Pat Cummins. He was named Australian Men’s ODI Player of the Year in 2015 and 2021 and was part of the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year in 2015.
Reflecting on his career, Smith said, “It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it. Winning two World Cups was a highlight, along with the many fantastic teammates I have shared this journey with. Now is the right time to step aside and allow others to prepare for the 2027 World Cup.” He reaffirmed his commitment to Test cricket, looking ahead to upcoming series against the West Indies and England.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg praised Smith’s contributions, saying, “Steve has played a vital role in Australia’s success in the 50-over format. His ability to accumulate runs in all conditions and his leadership have been instrumental in our World Cup victories.”
Men’s selection chair George Bailey added, “Steve’s record in ODIs is exemplary, and his legacy as a two-time World Cup winner cements his place among Australia’s greatest ODI players. We fully support his decision and look forward to his continued leadership in Test cricket.”
