Steve Smith Concludes ODI Career Following Champions Trophy Semifinal Loss
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Steve Smith, the Australian cricketing icon, has officially retired from One-Day Internationals after an illustrious 14-year career. His decision follows a semi-final exit in the ICC Champions Trophy, where he topped the scoring. Smith will remain eligible for Test and T20 formats, reflecting on his journey and contributions to Australian cricket.
Key Takeaways
- Steve Smith retires from ODIs after 14 years
- Top-scored in ICC Champions Trophy semifinal
- 12 centuries and 35 fifties in ODIs
- Part of two World Cup-winning teams
- Will continue playing Test and T20 formats
Dubai, March 5 (NationPress) Australia's prominent batter Steve Smith has declared his retirement from One-Day Internationals, marking the conclusion of an impressive 14-year journey in the 50-over game. He will remain available for selection in Test and T20I formats.
Smith's announcement came immediately after Australia's semi-final loss to India by four wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy, where Smith was the top scorer with 73 runs in what became his final ODI appearance.
The 35-year-old has participated in 170 ODIs, amassing 5800 runs at an average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96, including 12 centuries and 35 fifties. He concluded his ODI career as Australia's 12th highest run-scorer in the format. Initially debuting as a leg-spinning allrounder, he also took 28 wickets and completed 90 catches.
Smith was part of Australia's victorious ODI World Cup teams in 2015 and 2023, and he assumed the captaincy after Michael Clarke's retirement. He led Australia in 64 ODIs, securing 32 wins and 28 losses. For the Champions Trophy, he served as interim captain due to Pat Cummins' injury.
As reported by Cricket Australia, Smith informed his teammates of his immediate retirement from ODIs following the semifinal.
"Steve Smith has confirmed his retirement from One Day International Cricket after being the top scorer in Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy semifinal against India on Tuesday. He informed teammates post-match that he would retire from ODI cricket forthwith. Smith will still be available for Tests and T20 Internationals," CA stated on Wednesday.
Smith made his debut as a leg-spinning all-rounder in 2010 against the West Indies before evolving into one of the world’s leading batters.
His leadership was crucial, having captained Australia’s ODI team from 2015, including a temporary captaincy in his last game due to Pat Cummins’ absence. Among his achievements, Smith was honored as the Australian Men’s ODI Player of the Year twice (2015 and 2021) and featured in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year in 2015.
Reflecting on his career, Smith expressed that it was an appropriate moment to step back. “It has been a fantastic journey, and I have relished every moment. Winning two World Cups stands out as a major highlight, alongside the many incredible teammates I had along the way. Now is an excellent opportunity for others to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it feels like the right time to step aside," Smith remarked.
“Test cricket remains my priority, and I eagerly anticipate the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies series in the winter, and then England at home. I believe I still have much to contribute on that level," he added.
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Todd Greenberg praised Smith’s impact on Australian cricket, deeming him an irreplaceable asset in the team's achievements throughout the years.
“Congratulations to Steve on an extraordinary One Day International career, during which he has significantly contributed to Australia’s performance in the 50-over format,” Greenberg declared.
“Right until his final ODI innings, Steve demonstrated an exceptional ability to accumulate runs in all conditions, and his insightful leadership has been vital in the team’s continuing success, including the victories in the 2015 and 2023 ICC World Cups.”
Chair of selectors George Bailey endorsed Smith's decision to retire from ODIs, stating, “Steve has often mentioned that he is approaching the remainder of his playing career on a series-by-series basis, a stance which remains unchanged and one supported by Cricket Australia. His record as a batter through 167 games is outstanding, and retiring as a two-time World Cup winner solidifies his legacy as one of the great Australian ODI players.”
