Image Source : Depositphotos
Steven Smith has retired from ODI cricket but will continue playing Test matches
Steven Smith has retired from ODI cricket but will continue playing Test matches
The 35-year-old batter played 170 ODIs, scoring 5800 runs and picking 28 wickets. He registered 12 centuries and 35 fifties.
Steven Smith has decided to retire from ODI cricket, effective immediately, after Australia's semi-final loss to India at the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Tuesday. He will still be available to play in Test matches and T20Is.
The 35-year-old announced his retirement to his team-mates right after the match, marking the end of his ODI career. This means Smith will not be part of the Australian squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. During the Champions Trophy, Smith served as captain in place of Pat Cummins.
In a statement, Smith said, "It's been an incredible journey, and I've enjoyed every moment. There are so many special memories, including winning two World Cups, and I'm grateful for the amazing team-mates who were part of it all."
Steven Smith believes this is the right time to step aside and let others start preparing for the 2027 World Cup. However, he remains focused on Test cricket and is looking forward to the World Test Championship final, the series against the West Indies later this year, and the home series against England. He feels he still has a lot to offer in Test matches.
Smith has always approached his career on a series-by-series basis, especially as questions about his retirement have come up in recent years. While he seems committed to at least another home summer and has mentioned the Ashes this year, his plans beyond that are unclear. There is also the possibility of away series in India and England in 2027.
Though not currently part of Australia's T20I plans and left out of the 2024 T20 World Cup squad, Smith has expressed interest in representing Australia in T20 cricket at the 2028 Olympic Games and remains open to selection if needed.
Steven Smith has retired from ODIs as one of Australia's finest batters, despite being 12th on the country's all-time run-scorers' list. Among the top five players who have scored more ODI centuries than Smith’s 12, only David Warner has a better batting average.
Smith played a key role in Australia's ODI World Cup wins in 2015 and 2023. In 2015, he delivered five consecutive fifty-plus scores, including a brilliant 105 in the semi-final against India and an unbeaten 56 in the final against New Zealand at the MCG, where he also scored the winning runs.
He was recognized in the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year in 2015 and named Australia's ODI Player of the Year twice, in 2014-15 and 2020-21. The latter year showcased his exceptional batting, with three centuries, including two 62-ball masterpieces against India at the SCG within three days.
As captain, Smith led Australia in 64 ODIs between 2015 and 2025, a feat surpassed only by legends like Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor, and Michael Clarke. However, he is unique as the only one among them who did not lead his country in a World Cup.
Steven Smith's achievements as a batter in 170 ODIs are outstanding. Finishing his ODI career as a two-time World Cup winner has secured his place as one of Australia's greatest players in the format. The National Selection Panel (NSP) emphasized that Smith remains fully dedicated to Test cricket, where he continues to play a key role as both a player and a leader.
Todd Greenberg, the new CEO of Cricket Australia, praised Smith's immense contributions to Australia's ODI success over his remarkable 16-year career. He congratulated Smith on his exceptional career and his impact on Australia's performances in the 50-over format.
Australia's next ODI series is set to take place against South Africa in August.
Top Articles
See more
Kohli dismissed early; Pujara, Rahane, and Ayush Badoni narrowly missed out on centuries
31 Jan 2025
Shami, fully pain-free, aims to play domestic matches to prove his fitness for Australia
22 Oct 2024
New Zealand Fast Bowler Ben Sears Misses India Tour; Uncapped Jacob Duffy Added to Squad
15 Oct 2024
Sri Lanka Selects Former England Star Ian Bell as Batting Coach for Upcoming Test Series
14 Aug 2024
Get live cricket scores and insightful articles at Giritech Data Intelligence Pvt. Ltd. Follow your favorite matches and read expert analyses, player profiles, and more. Your ultimate destination for cricket updates and in-depth coverage.
Any Questions? Contact us at: contact@gamegiri.com
Copyright & Design By Giritech Data Intelligence Pvt. Ltd - 2025 All rights reserved.