Australia's Steve Smith Retires from ODIs After Stellar Career
HY News
05 March, 2025 05:31 pm IST
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Australia’s star batter Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One-Day Internationals, ending a distinguished ODI career after 170 matches. His final appearance came in the Champions Trophy semifinal against India in Dubai, where he top-scored for Australia with 73 runs in a losing cause.
The 35-year-old, who scored 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96, amassed 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries over his ODI career. He finished as the 12th highest run-getter for Australia in the format, with his highest score of 164 registered against New Zealand in 2016. Originally debuting as a leg-spinning allrounder, Smith also claimed 28 wickets and took 90 catches.
According to a Cricket Australia media release, Smith informed his teammates after the semifinal loss that he would retire from ODIs immediately. However, he will continue to represent Australia in Test cricket and Twenty20 Internationals. "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."
Smith added that his decision comes as an opportunity for new talent to prepare for the 2027 World Cup. "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," he noted.
Smith, who captained the ODI side on an interim basis during the Champions Trophy while Pat Cummins was injured, was a key member of Australia’s World Cup-winning squads in 2015 and 2023. Speaking on Smith’s decision, George Bailey, chair of men’s selectors, said, "We fully understand and support Steve's decision to retire from One Day International cricket. His record as a batter is exemplary, and leaving the format as a two-time World Cup winner cements his legacy as one of the great Australian ODI players."
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