Steve Smith Retires from ODI Cricket: Steve Smith announced his retirement from the ODI format after defeat against India in Champions Trophy semifinal in Dubai.
Steve Smith Retires from ODI Cricket
Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One-Day International cricket following Australia’s four-wicket loss to India in the Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai. Smith, who top-scored for Australia with 73, immediately informed his teammates that he’d played his last one-day international.
Smith told teammates after the match he would retire from ODI cricket immediately. According to a statement released by Cricket Australia, Smith will continue to be available for Tests and T20Is.
Also Read: Cricketer David Warner Steps into Telugu Film Debut with Special Role in Nithiin’s ‘Robinhood’
“It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it. There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight, along with the many fantastic teammates who shared the journey,” Smith said.
“Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup so it feels like the right time to make way. Test cricket remains a priority and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies in the winter and then England at home. I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage” Smith added.
Steve Smith’s ODI Career Highlights and Achievements
Steve Smith’s ODI legacy
Steve Smith is one of Australia’s most accomplished ODI players. The star player made his debut in 2010 as a leg-spinning all-rounder against West Indies on February 19 before evolving into a batting mainstay. Smith retires having scored 5800 runs from 170 ODIs for Australia, including 12 centuries, but more importantly as a two-time World Champions. A member of Australia’s 2015 and 2023 ICC World Cup winning teams, Smith became ODI captain in 2015 and held the captaincy in his final match on an interim basis in the absence of injured Pat Cummins during the Champions Trophy.
He led Australia in 64 matches, winning 32 and losing 28, with four no results, including series victories over arch-rivals England and India in his first year as full-time captain. He also secured the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, and a tri-series win against South Africa and the Windies in the Caribbean in 2016. More recently, during the 2023-24 home summer, Smith steered Australia to an impressive 3-0 clean sweep against the West Indies.
Speaking about Smith’s decision, George Bailey, the chair of men’s selectors, said: “We fully understand and support Steve’s decision to retire from One Day International cricket. Steve has said on many occasions he is approaching the remainder of his playing career on a series-by-series basis, a position which hasn’t changed and one Cricket Australia supports.
“His record as a batter across 167 games is exemplary and to leave the format as a two-time World Cup winner cements his legacy as one of the great Australian ODI players. From an NSP standpoint, Steve remains fully committed to Test cricket and is an integral member of and leader within that team.”
Steve Smith’s ODI achievements include being named the Australian Men’s ODI Player of the Year in both the year 2015 and 2021 and a member of the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year in 2015.