A day after Australia crashed out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 following a four-wicket loss to India in the semifinal in Dubai, stand-in skipper and batting great Steve Smith announced his retirement from One-Day Internationals. He will continue to play Tests and T20 Internationals.
Smith top-scored for the Aussies in the semifinal yesterday, making a 96-ball 73, and was involved in three fifty-plus stands – 52 with Travis Head (39) for the second wicket, 56 for the third wicket with Marnus Labuschagne (29) and 54 for the fifth wicket with Alex Carey (61) – to guide Australia to 264.
However, India chased down the target in 48.1 overs, with Player of the Match Virat Kohli (84) anchoring yet another chase, and Shreyas Iyer (45) and KL Rahul (42 not out) making important contributions.
The great Steve Smith has called time on a superb ODI career 👏 pic.twitter.com/jsKDmVSG1h
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) March 5, 2025
A statement from Cricket Australia said that Smith, 35, informed his teammates of the decision after the semifinal loss.
"It feels like the right time to make way. It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it," Smith said. "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 added.
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"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."
Smith made his debut in 2010 as a leg-spinning all-rounder, but went on to become one of the greatest ODI batters of this era, being part of the ‘Big 4’, comprising Kohli, Joe Root and Kane Williamson. He played 170 matches, scoring 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, with 12 centuries. His highest score was 164, against New Zealand in 2016.
Smith played a stellar role in Australia ODI World Cup win in 2015, and was part of the 2023-winning Aussie squad.
He also took 28 wickets in ODIs, at 34.67.
Smith was named Australia's men's ODI Player of the Year in 2015 and 2021 and was part of the ICC men's ODI Team of the Year in 2015.
He took over the ODI captaincy in 2015, and ironically, ended his ODI stint as the skipper of the Australian team.
