Steve Smith Retires From ODI Cricket
Australian cricket stalwart Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One-Day Internationals (ODIs), bringing an end to a distinguished career in the 50-over format. The 35-year-old made the decision following Australia’s four-wicket defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday.
Smith, who informed his teammates of his decision after the match, will continue to be available for selection in Test and T20 International cricket. His continued involvement in the shortest format has raised speculation that he may be targeting a place in Australia’s squad for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will feature for the first time in over a century.
A Storied ODI Career
Smith made his ODI debut against the West Indies in 2010 as a leg-spinning all-rounder but soon transformed into one of Australia’s most reliable middle-order batters. Over 170 ODIs, he amassed 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, including 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries. He also claimed 28 wickets with his leg-spin.
A key figure in Australia’s World Cup-winning campaigns in 2015 and 2023, Smith played an instrumental role in both finals. In the 2015 edition, he struck the winning boundary in the final against New Zealand at the MCG. Four years later, he played a crucial role in Australia’s campaign in England, marking his return to international cricket after a 12-month ban. In 2023, he was again a vital cog in Australia’s unexpected triumph over hosts India in the final.
Reflecting on his retirement, Smith said, “It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it. 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.”
### **Leadership and Legacy**
Smith took over as Australia’s ODI captain in 2015, leading the side in 64 matches. Under his leadership, Australia secured victories in major series, including triumphs over England and India in his first year, as well as the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy and a tri-series against South Africa and the West Indies in 2016. Most recently, he captained Australia to a 3-0 series win over the West Indies in 2023-24 in Pat Cummins’ absence.
His ODI batting record places him among Australia’s elite, ranking as the country’s 12th-highest run-scorer in the format. Of the 11 players ahead of him, only David Warner and Adam Gilchrist maintained a higher strike rate. Smith’s highest ODI score, an unbeaten 164, came against New Zealand at the SCG in 2016.
A Fitting Farewell
Smith’s final ODI innings saw him top-score for Australia with 73 from 96 balls against India, before being bowled by Mohammed Shami. It was a fitting end to a career marked by consistency in ICC tournaments—his 10 half-centuries in World Cups are the most by any Australian batter, surpassing Michael Clarke and Adam Gilchrist.
Known for his brilliance in the field, Smith also took 90 catches, ranking among Australia’s finest fielders in ODIs. Some of his most memorable grabs include a gravity-defying catch to dismiss BJ Watling in the same match he scored 164 and a stunning one-handed effort during the 2016 Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.
With Smith now stepping away from ODIs, attention turns to his Test career, where he remains a pivotal figure. “Test cricket remains a priority, and I feel I still have a lot to contribute,” he said, as he looks forward to upcoming series against the West Indies and England, as well as the World Test Championship final.
