Australian captain Steven Smith retires from ODI cricket

Canberra: Steve Smith announced his retirement from ODI cricket immediately after Australia's defeat in the Champions Trophy semi-final, but will remain available for Tests and T20Is.

According to ESPN cricinfo, the 35-year-old Steve Smith informed his teammates immediately after the defeat by India that he had played his last ODI match, which means he will not be part of the Australian team for the 2027 World Cup, despite serving as captain in the Champions Trophy in Pat Cummins' absence.

“It's been a great journey and I've loved every minute of it,” said Steve Smith. “There have been so many amazing times and amazing memories, winning two World Cups with so many great teammates was a big highlight”.

He stated that now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup so it feels like the right time to pave the way.

“Test cricket is our priority and I'm looking forward to the World Test Championship final, the West Indies in the winter, and then playing at home against England. I feel I still have a lot to do on that stage”, added Smith.

It is pertinent to note that he is not currently in Australia's T20 International plans after being left out of the 2024 T20 World Cup squad, but said he wants to represent Australia in T20 cricket at the 2028 Olympic Games and would be available for selection if called upon.

Despite being 12th on the list of Australia's highest run-scorers, Smith has announced his retirement from ODI cricket. Only five players have scored more than their 12 ODI centuries, and of those five, only David Warner has a better average.

Steve Smith was part of the ODI World Cup winning team in 2015 and 2023, scoring 50+ runs in 5 consecutive innings in 2015, including 105 in the semi-final against India and 56 not out in the final against New Zealand.

He was named in the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year in 2015 and Australia's ODI Player of the Year in 2014-15 and 2020-21. The year he scored three centuries, including a masterclass off 62 balls in a row against India at the SCG, three days apart.

Smith led Australia in 64 ODIs from 2015 to 2025. Only Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor, and Michael Clarke have led Australia on more occasions. Although Smith was the only player not to have led his country in the World Cup. Australia's next ODI series is scheduled against South Africa in August.