Sydney, Mar 5 (UNI) In the aftermath of Australia’s Champions Trophy exit, stand-in captain Steve Smith has announced his retirement from the ODI format.
The two-time ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup winner will continue to play Test and T20I cricket for Australia, but his side’s narrow loss to India in the Champions Trophy semi-finals on Tuesday was the last 50-over contest he will feature in for his country, an ICC report said.
“It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said via a statement from Cricket Australia on Wednesday.
“There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight along with the many fantastic team-mates who shared the journey.”
Opening up on his decision, Smith said that it was the perfect time for new faces to step up in the ODI format.
“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,” he added.
On his own future with the national team, Smith added, “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, who featured in 170 ODIs for Australia, scored 5800 runs at 43.28 including 12 centuries and 35 half centuries while also registering 28 wickets to his name.
The batter was also an integral member of Australia’s Cricket World Cup winning sides in 2015 and 2023.
Smith’s former teammate and current selection chair George Bailey said the retirement decision was fully supported by everyone within the Australian setup.
“We fully understand and support Steve’s decision to retire from One Day International cricket,” Bailey said.
“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 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,” he said.
“From an NSP (National Selection Panel) standpoint, Steve remains fully committed to Test cricket and is an integral member of and leader within that team,” Bailey said.
