Steve Smith calls time on ODI career after Australia's Champions Trophy exit

Steve Smith has announced his retirement from ODI Cricket following the semi-final exit of Australia from the ICC Champions Trophy. Filling in for an injured Pat Cummins, Smith led the Kangaroos up to the semi-final against India with a hampered lineup. The batter, arguably the most prolific from Australia in the format, turned up with the highest score against India in Dubai to lead Australia’s total to a fighting mark. However, reportedly, the two-time ODI World Cup winner had told his teammates that the match would mark his last in the format. Debuting in 2010, Smith played 170 ODIs, retiring with 5,800 runs, 12 centuries, and 35 half-centuries to his name.

Steve Smith shifts his focus to Tests and T20Is, retires from ODIs ahead of 2027 World Cup

Steve Smith arrived in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy as the leader of a side that lacked primary pacers like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. Marred further by the absence of all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green, Australia turned up with a makeshift combination under the watch of the experienced Smith. His men, meanwhile, notched an emphatic victory over England to kickstart the tournament. Fueled by a century from Josh Inglis, Australia registered the highest successful chase in an ICC tournament. With two washouts, Australia set up a semi-final clash against India in Dubai.

Opting to bat first in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final, Steve Smith stood strong on the slow pitch against the Indian spinners as the openers departed cheaply. Smith showed his grit and class, qualities that set him apart, pushing him into the ranks of the Fab 4 of the current generation. The batter notched 73 runs to propel Australia to a challenging total of 264 against India. However, the 73-run knock would now be counted as his last in the 50-over format.

“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. 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.

Steve Smith proved to be an integral part of the Australian team that won the 2015 ODI World Cup and the 2023 edition. His century in the India vs. Australia semi-final in 2015 paved the way for the Kangaroos’ eventual victory. The cricketer, who has time and again expressed his plans to evaluate his future based on each series, now wants to focus on red-ball cricket and T20Is. While currently not a part of Australia's T20I plans, Smith has a busy Test schedule lined up ahead, including the WTC Final in June, the West Indies series, and the Ashes later this year.

“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," Smith expressed following his retirement announcement.