Australian cricket star Steve Smith has officially retired from One-Day International (ODI) cricket, ending an incredible career in the 50-over format. The 35-year-old made this big announcement after Australia’s loss to India in the semi-final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai.
Smith has been one of the most important players for Australia in ODIs, leading the team with excellence and playing a crucial role in many victories. While announcing his retirement, he said, “It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it. There have been so many amazing moments and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was definitely a highlight, and I am grateful for the fantastic teammates who were part of this journey. Now is a great time for new players to prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup, so I feel it’s the right moment to step aside.”
Even though he is retiring from ODIs, Smith has confirmed that he will continue playing in Test and T20I formats, which is great news for Australian cricket fans.
A Remarkable ODI Career
Steve Smith’s ODI career has been nothing short of extraordinary. He played 170 matches and scored 5,800 runs with an impressive average of 43.28. His strike rate of 86.96, along with 12 centuries and 35 fifties, makes him one of Australia’s greatest ODI players. His highest score of 164 runs came against New Zealand in 2016, showing his ability to play match-winning innings.
Smith also proved himself as a great leader. He captained Australia in 64 ODI matches, winning 32 of them. His leadership was vital in Australia’s World Cup-winning campaigns in 2015 and 2023. One of his most memorable performances came in the 2023 World Cup final against India, where he played a crucial knock to help Australia secure the title.
Smith’s Final ODI Performance
In his last ODI match, Smith played a brilliant innings, scoring 73 runs off 96 balls in Australia’s semi-final loss to India. Even though Australia couldn’t reach the final, Smith’s performance showed why he has been one of the most reliable players in Australian cricket history.
The End of an Era
Steve Smith’s retirement from ODIs marks the end of an incredible chapter for Australian cricket. His contributions to the team, both as a player and a leader, have left a lasting impact. With two World Cup titles and countless match-winning performances, he has cemented his place as one of the greatest ODI players Australia has ever produced.
As the Australian team looks forward to new challenges and prepares for the 2027 World Cup, Smith’s legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of cricketers. Fans will still get to watch him in Test and T20I cricket, but his absence in ODIs will surely be felt.
Smith’s journey in ODI cricket has been legendary, and he leaves behind a record that will be remembered for years to come.
Read Also: Virat Kohli Breaks Another Huge ODI Record!
