Steve Smith has announced that he is retiring from One Day International after top-scoring in Australia’s Champions Trophy semi-final against India on Tuesday.
Smith informed his fellow teammates after the match of his retirement being effective immediately from ODIs, although he is available for Test and T20 cricket.
One of the most successful players in ODIs, Smith made his debut in 2010 against West Indies as a leg-spinning all-rounder before developing into one of the team’s main batsmen. He played 170 matches and made 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28 with 12 centuries and 35 fifties whilst claiming 28 wickets.
A leading figure during World Cups won by Australia in 2015 and 2023, Smith finished as acting captain of the ODI team beginning with 2015 and served as captain for the interim in his last match. Accolades attained by him include Australian Men’s ODI Player of the Year in 2015 and 2021, and ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year in 2015.
Reflecting on his ODI career, Smith said: “It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it. There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Two World Cups stand out as awesome highlights along with the many fantastic teammates shared along the way.
“This is a great opportunity for other people to now start preparing for the 2027 World Cup, and it feels the right time for me to step aside.
“My focus remains on Test cricket, and I really look forward to the World Test Championship final, then the series against the West Indies in the winter and back home against England. I still feel that I have a lot to offer in that space.”
