Steve Smith drops career bombshell after semi-final loss to India
Following Australia’s loss to India in the Champions Trophy, skipper Steve Smith has made a huge call over his playing future.
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Australian captain Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One-Day International cricket.
The 35-year-old, who stepped in to fill Pat Cummins’ captaincy role during the ICC Champions Trophy tournament, has played his 170th and last match in the ODI format.
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The Aussie side fell short of its target of victory in the tournament, losing to India in the semi-finals by four wickets on Tuesday.
And the two-time ODI World Cup winner has decided to end his time in the green and gold 50-over uniform, effective immediately.
“It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said in a statement.
“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.”
Smith enjoyed something of a career resurgence in Test cricket in recent months, piling on the runs to show he is far from a spent force in the longest format of the sport.
The elegant batter has also enjoyed a hugely successful career in the 50-over arena, scoring 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, with 12 tons and 35 half-centuries.
A two-time Australian ODI player of the year and a member of the ICC’s ODI Team of the Year in 2015, Smith plans to continue playing Test matches for some time yet.
“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,” he added.
“I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage.”
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg led the tributes to Smith, stating: “Congratulations to Steve on an amazing One-Day International career during which he has made a vast contribution to Australia’s performances in the 50-over format.
“Right up until his final ODI innings Steve exhibited an incredible ability to accumulate runs in all conditions and his astute leadership has been crucial in the team’s ongoing success including the 2015 and 2023 ICC World Cup victories.
“We’re fortunate Steve still has much to offer in the Test and T20 arenas and I look forward to witnessing the next stage of one of cricket’s great careers.”
In his final ODI knock, Smith batted at No. 3 and scored 73 from 96 balls, hitting one six and four boundaries to show he still had plenty to offer at this level.
But he has opted to prioritise Test cricket and is still be available for Twenty20 selection.
Fans quickly reacted to the news on social media.
One wrote: “Steve Smith is calling it a day! From his unique style to his match-winning knocks, he’s been a joy to watch. Thanks for the memories.”
Another stated: “Steve Smith says goodbye to ODI cricket. The man retired at his peak. Not sure how many retired during their peak.”
A third said: “Steve smith retires from ODI cricket. Thank u champ for all the memories.”
Originally published as Steve Smith drops career bombshell after semi-final loss to India
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