After the team’s loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final, Australian batting legend Steve Smith announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs). After the match, the 35-year-old batsman, who led his team in scoring with 73 runs in his last ODI innings, told his teammates his choice.
Steve Smith will continue to play for Australia in Test cricket and T20 Internationals even though he is saying goodbye to the 50-over format. Steve Smith started his ODI career against the West Indies in 2010 as a leg-spinning all-rounder, and he has since developed into one of the greatest hitters of all time. He amassed 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28 in 170 One-Day Internationals, including 12 hundreds and 35 half-centuries. He was an important part of Australia’s middle order because of his capacity to anchor innings and adjust to various match circumstances.
Steve Smith captained Australia for a brief period of time, notably in his final ODI match without Pat Cummins, and was a member of the teams that won the ODI World Cup in 2015 and 2023. He won accolades including Australia’s Men’s ODI Player of the Year in 2015 and 2021 and was named to the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year in 2015 for his leadership and reliable play.
Steve Smith will remain a member of Australia’s T20I and Test teams.
Steve Smith is still totally dedicated to Test cricket and T20Is even after retiring from ODIs. He was excited about the next tasks, which included an Ashes series at home, a series against the West Indies, and the World Test Championship Final.
“I have enjoyed every second of this amazing journey. There have been countless incredible moments and priceless memories. Along with the many amazing teammates that shared the adventure, winning two World Cups was a terrific highlight. “It feels like the right time to make way because now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup,” Smith said in a statement released by Cricket Australia.
“Test cricket is still my first goal, and I am eagerly anticipating the World Test Championship Final, the winter match against the West Indies, and the home match against England. “I think I still have a lot to offer on that stage,” he said in closing.
Steve Smith decision to withdraw from One Day International cricket has our full support: Bailey
In the meantime, Australian head selector George Bailey considered the stalwart’s choice after Smith retired. According to Bailey, Smith’s decision to withdraw from the 50-over format has the full backing of the cricket community. He said that they have supported the former Australia captain on a series-by-series basis before he finally retires from the international scene because Smith has been in the latter stages of his career.
“We completely respect and agree with Steve’s decision to stop playing One Day International cricket. Steve Smith has often stated that he is approaching the remaining years of his playing career series by series; Cricket Australia supports this stance, which hasn’t altered. His position as one of the greatest Australian ODI players is cemented by his two World Cup victories and his remarkable batting record of 167 games. From the perspective of the NSP, Steve is still totally dedicated to Test cricket and is a key player and team leader,” Bailey said.
Additionally, Todd Greenberg, the CEO of Cricket Australia (CA), lavished Smith with accolades for his efforts to this game type.
Steve Smith deserves congratulations for an outstanding One Day International career in which he has significantly improved Australia’s results in the 50-over format. Steve shown an amazing ability to score runs under all circumstances until his final ODI innings, and his wise leadership has been essential to the team’s continued success, which includes the 2015 and 2023 ICC World Cup triumphs. I’m excited to watch the next phase of one of cricket’s greatest careers, and we’re lucky that Steve still has a lot to offer in the Test and T20 arenas,” Greenberg said.
The native of New South Wales is one of the best in a number of batting and fielding categories. He holds the record for the ninth-highest individual ODI score by a captain (164), is the 12th-highest run scorer for Australia, and has 90 career catches to his name.
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