Australian cricket great Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One-Day Internationals (ODIs) following Australia’s four-wicket loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai. The decision brings an end to Smith’s illustrious 170-match ODI career, during which he played a key role in two World Cup-winning campaigns.
Smith’s Statement on Retirement
The 35-year-old batting maestro informed his teammates of the decision after the semi-final defeat and later shared a heartfelt message, saying:
“It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it. 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 ODI World Cup, so it feels like the right time to make way.”
Smith also reaffirmed his commitment to Test cricket and T20Is, possibly hinting at his ambition to feature in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where cricket will return to the Games in the T20 format.
A Glorious ODI Career
Smith leaves behind a stellar ODI record:
- Matches: 170 (16th-most for Australia)
- Runs: 5,800 at an average of 43.28, with a strike rate of 86.96
- Centuries: 12
- Fifties: 35
- Highest Score: 164 vs New Zealand (SCG, 2016)
- Captaincy Record: Led 64 matches with a 50% win rate
- World Cup Titles: 2015, 2023
Key Moments in Smith’s ODI Legacy
- 2015 World Cup Final: Hit the winning boundary at the MCG against New Zealand.
- 2023 World Cup Final: Played a crucial role in Australia’s shock victory over hosts India.
- 2019 World Cup: Marked his return to international cricket after a 12-month ban with 10 half-centuries, the most by any Australian in World Cup history.
- Unforgettable Catches: Secured 90 catches, with stunning one-handed grabs among his most memorable moments.
Final ODI Performance
Smith top-scored for Australia in his final ODI innings, scoring 73 off 96 balls against India in the Champions Trophy semi-final. However, he was dismissed by Mohammed Shami, playing around a full toss as Australia fell short of setting a match-winning total.
End of an Era
With his ODI retirement, Smith now shifts his focus entirely to Test cricket and T20Is, continuing to be a vital figure for Australia in the longer formats. His contributions to Australian cricket history, particularly in ICC events, cement his status as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of his generation.
