Australian cricket legend Steven Smith has announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) following Australia’s semi-final defeat to India at the Champions Trophy. However, the 35-year-old remains committed to Test cricket and is also open to playing in the T20 format.
Smith informed his teammates in the dressing room immediately after the loss in Dubai on Tuesday, marking an end to an illustrious ODI career. His decision means he will not feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup, despite stepping in as captain during the Champions Trophy in Pat Cummins’ absence.
A Career Filled with Unforgettable Moments
Reflecting on his journey, Smith expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he had in ODI cricket.
“It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said in a statement. “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 emphasised that his decision was influenced by Australia’s need to prepare for the future.
“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
Despite stepping away from ODIs, Smith remains committed to Test cricket, particularly with significant fixtures ahead.
“Test cricket remains a priority, and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship final, the West Indies tour in the winter, and then facing England at home. I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage.”
Smith has often taken a series-by-series approach to his career, and his reference to the Ashes later this year suggests he will continue at least for another home summer. However, whether he will continue beyond 2025-26 remains uncertain, with potential away series against India and England in 2027 on the horizon.
T20 Ambitions and the 2028 Olympics Dream
While Smith has been left out of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad for 2024, he has not ruled out a return to the format. He has expressed a desire to represent Australia at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where T20 cricket will be featured. If called upon, he remains available for selection in the shorter format.
One of Australia’s Best ODI Batters
Smith retires as one of Australia’s finest ODI batters, despite ranking 12th on the all-time run-scorers’ list for his country. His impact was immense:
- He scored 12 ODI centuries, with only five Australians managing more.
- Among those five, only David Warner has a better batting average.
- Smith played a key role in Australia’s 2015 and 2023 World Cup triumphs. His performances in 2015 were particularly memorable, as he:
- Scored five consecutive fifty-plus scores.
- Hit 105 in the semi-final against India.
- Played a crucial 56 not out in the final against New Zealand, hitting the winning runs at the MCG.
- He was named in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year (2015) and won Australia’s ODI Player of the Year award twice (2014-15 and 2020-21). His back-to-back 62-ball centuries against India at the SCG in 2020 remain among the best ODI innings played by an Australian batter.
Captaincy Legacy in ODIs
Smith captained Australia in 64 ODIs between 2015 and 2025. Among Australian captains, only Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor, and Michael Clarke have led in more ODIs. However, Smith remains the only one never to captain in a World Cup.
What’s Next for Smith?
Australia’s next ODIs are scheduled against South Africa in August, but Smith will instead be playing for Welsh Fire in The Hundred. With his 50-over retirement, Smith is expected to take on more franchise cricket opportunities in the final phase of his career.
As he bids farewell to ODIs, Smith leaves behind a legacy as one of Australia’s greatest cricketers, having shaped some of the country’s most glorious moments on the international stage.
