Steve Smith has retired from one-day international cricket after Australia’s disappointing semi-final exit from the Champions Trophy.
The 35-year-old athlete has represented Australia in 170 One Day Internationals, scoring 12 centuries. His career highlights include clinching the ODI World Cup titles in 2015 and 2023.
In a notable turn of events, Smith took the helm of the team in Pat Cummins’s absence during his last One Day International match on Tuesday. Unfortunately for Australia, the match ended in a disappointing four-wicket defeat to India in Dubai as part of the Champions Trophy.
The ex-Sussex batsman is set to continue being available for selection for his national team in both Test and T20 formats.
Numerous remarkable moments and cherished memories have been created. “Winning two World Cups stands out as a significant highlight, complemented by the incredible team-mates who accompanied me on this journey,” remarked Smith, who was honored as the Australian men’s ODI player of the year in 2015 and 2021.
As the 2027 ODI World Cup count begins, many are seizing the moment to start their preparations, suggesting that now is an opportune time for transitions and new beginnings.
Test cricket continues to be significant, and there is palpable excitement for the upcoming World Test Championship final. This will be followed by the West Indies series in the winter and the home series against England. The individual strongly believed in their ongoing potential to contribute significantly.
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2015 ODI World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Smith struck the decisive boundary, leading Australia to victory over New Zealand.
Eight years later, he played a pivotal role in Australia’s stunning of host nation India to secure the tournament title for the sixth time.
Smith concludes his ODI career having amassed 5,800 runs, maintaining an average of 43.28.
In 2016, he achieved his highest score of 164 during a match against New Zealand at the SCG.
Examination
Matthew Henry, a BBC Sport journalist, is reporting from Dubai.
Smith refrained from indicating any plans for retirement during his news conference following India’s defeat, yet this decision comes as no surprise. By the time the next 50-over World Cup takes place in 2027, he will have reached the age of 38.
He is poised to be remembered as one of the great cricketers of his time, likely celebrated more for his Test achievements, even as a two-time World Cup champion.
A recent revival in red-ball cricket indicates that he may be able to extend his career in the format for several more years, well past this winter’s Ashes series against England.
The upcoming retirement will provide an early glimpse into the future of Australian cricket, particularly as veteran players like Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, and Josh Hazlewood, all aged 34 or older, prepare to transition out of the sport.
Cooper Connolly, a 21-year-old player, is anticipated to receive opportunities following his entry into the game against India due to Matt Short’s injury.
