Janice R. Andrews
Australian cricket legend Steve Smith has officially announced his retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket, marking the end of an illustrious 50-over career. The decision comes after Australia’s four-wicket defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai. Smith, 35, will continue to represent Australia in Test and T20I cricket, with his sights potentially set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will feature in the T20 format.
A Stellar ODI Career Comes to an End
Smith’s ODI journey spanned 170 matches, making him Australia’s 16th most-capped player in the format. With 5,800 runs at an impressive average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96, he leaves the game as Australia’s 12th-highest run-scorer in ODIs. His career includes 12 centuries and 35 fifties, with a career-best knock of 164 against New Zealand at the SCG in 2016. Among Australian players with more ODI runs than Smith, only David Warner and Adam Gilchrist have scored at a faster strike rate.
Smith’s contributions to Australian cricket extend beyond his batting prowess. He captained Australia in 64 ODIs, maintaining a 50% win record. Under his leadership, Australia secured series victories against England and India, won the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, and triumphed in a tri-series featuring South Africa and West Indies in 2016. More recently, he led Australia to a 3-0 series sweep over West Indies during the 2023-24 home season.
A Legacy of World Cup Glory
Smith’s ODI career is highlighted by his pivotal role in Australia’s World Cup victories in 2015 and 2023. In the 2015 final against New Zealand at the MCG, he scored the winning runs, cementing his place in cricket history. Four years later, he played a crucial role in the 2019 World Cup, marking his return to international cricket alongside David Warner after a 12-month ban.
In his final ODI match, Smith top-scored for Australia with 73 off 96 balls before being bowled by Mohammed Shami. While his only World Cup century came in the 2015 semi-final against India, he holds the record for the most World Cup half-centuries by an Australian batter, with 10—surpassing Michael Clarke and Adam Gilchrist’s tally of eight.
Defensive Brilliance and Leadership
Beyond his batting, Smith was one of Australia’s most reliable fielders, taking 90 catches in ODIs at an average of 0.53 per innings. Among Australian players with at least 70 ODI catches, only Glenn Maxwell and Mike Hussey have better ratios. His remarkable one-handed catches, including a stunning effort to dismiss BJ Watling in the same match where he scored his career-high 164, remain etched in memory.
A New Chapter for Australian Cricket
Smith’s retirement marks the beginning of a transition for Australia’s ODI setup as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. His long-time teammate David Warner has already stepped away from international cricket, and several key players from the 2023 World Cup-winning squad were missing from the Champions Trophy semi-final, including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, and Mitchell Starc. Additionally, Marcus Stoinis announced his ODI retirement last month.
With veterans like Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey, and Adam Zampa approaching the later stages of their careers, Australia is in the midst of a rebuilding phase. National Selection Panel chair George Bailey acknowledged Smith’s contributions, stating, “We fully understand and support Steve’s decision to retire from One-Day International cricket. His record as a batter across 170 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.”
Looking Ahead: Test and T20 Cricket
While Smith steps away from ODIs, he remains committed to Test and T20I cricket. “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 noted. His decision to continue in the shortest format could be influenced by a potential opportunity to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will feature in the T20 format.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg congratulated Smith on his achievements, highlighting his impact on Australian cricket. “Congratulations to Steve on an amazing One-Day International career during which he has made a vast contribution to Australia’s performances in the 50-over format. Right up until his final ODI innings, Steve exhibited an incredible ability to accumulate runs in all conditions, and his astute leadership has been crucial in the team’s ongoing success, including the 2015 and 2023 ICC World Cup victories.”
A Fond Farewell
Smith’s retirement is a significant moment for Australian cricket, as one of its greatest players steps away from the ODI format. His legacy as a two-time World Cup winner, prolific run-scorer, and inspirational leader will be remembered for generations. As he transitions to the next phase of his career, fans can look forward to witnessing more of his brilliance in Test and T20 cricket.
“It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said. “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. Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup, so it feels like the right time to make way.”
Steve Smith’s ODI career may have come to an end, but his impact on the game and his contributions to Australian cricket will continue to inspire future generations.
