Steve Smith Announces Retirement (Source: AP)
Steve Smith dropped a bombshell and announced retirement from ODI cricket. Steve Smith led Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy where he top scored for the team in the semifinal against India. He played a brilliant 73-run knock but it was not enough as India beat Australia by four wickets to qualify for the final.
After Australia's exit from the ICC Champions Trophy, he told his teammates about his decision to retire from ODIs, however, he confirmed that he would be available to play for Australia in Tests and T20Is. Smith departed the format as one of Australia’s most accomplished and enduring ODI players.
Smith made his debut against West Indies in 2010 as a leg-spinning all-rounder, however, he soon transformed himself into one of the greatest batters of the modern era. He played 170 ODIs for the country, scoring 5800 runs at 43.28 including 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries, in addition to taking 28 wickets at an average of 34.67.
Smith won two ODI World Cups for Australia in 2015 and 2023. He also won a number of accolades for the country, including the Men's ODI Player Of the Year In 2015 and 2021. He was also part of the ICC Men's ODI Team Of The Year in 2015.
Steve Smith on his retirement said: “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 team-mates who shared the journey.
“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 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.”
Todd Greenberg, CA Chief Executive said: “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.
“We’re fortunate Steve still has much to offer in the Test and T20 arenas and I look forward to witnessing the next stage of one of cricket’s great careers.”
Chair of men’s selectors George Bailey said: “We fully understand and support Steve’s decision to retire from One Day International cricket.
“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 167 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.
“From an NSP standpoint, Steve remains fully committed to Test cricket and is an integral member of and leader within that team.”
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