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Australia’s Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket following his team’s four-wicket loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday (March 4).
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Smith Calls Time on His ODI Career
In a Cricket Australia media release, Smith informed his teammates in the dressing room after the match that he would be stepping away from ODIs with immediate effect. However, the 35-year-old confirmed that he will continue to play Test cricket and T20 Internationals.
“It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said. “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 World Cup, so it feels like the right time to make way,” he added. “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.”
An Illustrious ODI Career
Smith played a crucial role in Australia’s World Cup triumphs in 2015 and 2023, establishing himself as one of the most dependable batters in white-ball cricket. Across 169 ODIs, he amassed 5727 runs at an average of 43.06, including 12 centuries and 34 fifties.
As a captain, he led Australia in 64 ODIs, winning 32 matches and losing 28, with four no results. He took over the temporary captaincy for the Champions Trophy 2025 in the absence of the injured Pat Cummins.
Cricket Australia Pays Tribute to Smith
George Bailey, Australia’s chairman of selectors, acknowledged Smith’s contributions to ODI cricket and expressed support for his decision.
“We fully understand and support Steve’s decision to retire from One Day International cricket,” Bailey stated. “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.”
Smith’s Legacy in ODIs
- Matches: 169
- Runs: 5727
- Average: 43.06
- Centuries: 12
- Fifties: 34
- World Cup Titles: 2015, 2023
- Captaincy Record: 32 wins, 28 losses (64 matches)
As one of Australia’s finest batters, Smith leaves behind an enduring legacy in ODI cricket. While he steps away from the format, his focus now shifts to Test cricket and T20Is, ensuring that his remarkable career is far from over.
