Australian cricket player Steven Smith has announced his retirement from ODI cricket immediately after Australia’s defeat to India in the Champions Trophy semi-final. However, he will continue to play Test and T20 International matches.
Smith, aged 35, shared his decision with his teammates after the match against India in Dubai on Tuesday. This means he will not participate in the 2027 ODI World Cup, despite captaining the team in the Champions Trophy due to Pat Cummins’ absence.
“It has been a fantastic journey, and I have enjoyed every moment,” Smith stated. “There have been numerous incredible moments and cherished memories. Winning two World Cups was a major highlight, along with the many wonderful teammates I shared this journey with.”
“Now is the right time for others to prepare for the 2027 World Cup, so it feels like the appropriate moment to step aside.”
“Test cricket remains my priority, and I am eagerly anticipating the World Test Championship final, the West Indies series this winter, and then England at home. I believe I still have much to offer on that stage.”
Smith has consistently mentioned that he approaches his career series by series in all formats, especially when questioned about his retirement from international cricket in recent years.
By referencing the Ashes series later this year, he seems committed for at least the upcoming home season, but his plans beyond that are uncertain. There are potential away series against India and England in 2027.
He is not currently part of Australia’s T20I plans, having been excluded from the 2024 T20 World Cup squad. However, he has expressed interest in representing Australia at the 2028 Olympic Games in T20 cricket and remains available for selection if needed.
Smith retires from ODIs as one of Australia’s greatest batsmen in this format, despite being 12th on Australia’s all-time ODI run-scorers list. Only five players have scored more than his 12 ODI centuries, and among them, only David Warner has a superior average.
Smith was crucial in Australia’s two ODI World Cup victories in 2015 and 2023. In 2015, he achieved five consecutive fifty-plus scores, including a century in the semi-final against India and an unbeaten half-century in the final against New Zealand.
He was included in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year in 2015 and was named Australia’s ODI Player of the Year in 2014-15 and 2020-21.
Smith captained Australia in 64 ODIs from 2015 to 2025. Only a few Australian captains have led in more ODIs, although Smith is unique in not having captained in a World Cup.
Cricket Australia’s chairman of selectors, George Bailey, acknowledged Smith’s decision to retire.
“We fully understand and support Steve’s decision to retire from One Day International cricket,” Bailey said. “Steve has often said he is taking his playing career series by series, a position that remains unchanged and which Cricket Australia supports.”
“His performance as a batsman over 170 games is outstanding, and leaving the format as a two-time World Cup winner solidifies his legacy as one of Australia’s great ODI players. Steve remains committed to Test cricket and is a vital member and leader within that team.”
Cricket Australia’s CEO, Todd Greenberg, also recognized Smith’s contribution to Australia’s ODI team over his 16-year career. “Congratulations to Steve on an amazing One-Day International career, during which he significantly contributed to Australia’s success in the 50-over format.”
Australia’s next ODI series is scheduled against South Africa in August. Smith is committed to playing for Welsh Fire in The Hundred during the same period, and his ODI retirement might allow him to participate in more franchise cricket as his career progresses.
