Australian cricketer Steve Smith has decided to retire from One Day Internationals (ODIs) after Australia’s semi-final loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy. He led the team in the tournament after Pat Cummins was ruled out due to injury. Despite his efforts, Australia fell short of making it to the final.
A Remarkable Career in ODIs
Smith retires as one of Australia’s greatest ODI players. Over his career, he played 170 matches, scored 572 runs, and hit 12 centuries. Moreover, he played a key role in Australia’s two World Cup victories. However, his retirement means he will not be part of the 2027 ODI World Cup squad.
Smith Reflects on His Decision
While announcing his retirement, Smith shared his gratitude for the journey. “It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it,” he 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.”
He also explained the timing of his decision. “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. Even though he is stepping away from ODIs, he believes he still has more to offer in cricket.
Australia’s Champions Trophy Performance
After the semi-final defeat, Smith addressed the media and acknowledged the team’s shortcomings. He admitted that inexperience, especially in the bowling attack, made a difference. “I think we’ve got pretty good records in big games in ICC events and I thought the guys turned up and did a really good job,” he said. “It’s obviously a bit of inexperience in our team, particularly our bowling attack. Some new guys there who I thought did a really good job as well. So, they’re going to be better for the exposure to a big event and playing against world-class players like the ones we came up against today and throughout the tournament. So, plenty of positives to take from it.”
What’s Next for Smith?
Smith was Australia’s top scorer in the semi-final, contributing 73 runs off 96 balls. With his ODI career now over and his limited role in T20s, his primary focus will be on Test cricket.
Australia Faces Another Transition
Following David Warner’s retirement last year, Australia is already in a rebuilding phase. Now, the team must also find a strong replacement for Smith in the ODI format. As the squad prepares for future tournaments, finding the right balance will be crucial for their success.
