Image: Steve Smith retired from ODIs after Australia's Champions Trophy defeat to India / © The Mirror
After the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final loss to India, Steve Smith announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket. Smith, who debuted in 2010 as a leg-spinning all-rounder against West Indies, evolved into one of Australia’s most accomplished ODI batters. Over 170 matches, he scored 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, registering 12 centuries and 35 fifties, while also taking 28 wickets.
A key player in Australia’s 2015 and 2023 World Cup triumphs, Smith captained the ODI side from 2015 and led the team in his final match. His contributions earned him Australian Men’s ODI Player of the Year awards in 2015 and 2021, along with a place in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year in 2015.
In his retirement statement, Smith expressed gratitude for his ODI career, highlighting the two World Cup victories and cherished memories with teammates. He emphasized that stepping away now allows Australia to prepare for the 2027 World Cup. However, he remains committed to Test and T20 cricket, with upcoming assignments including the World Test Championship Final, a West Indies series, and the home Ashes against England.