Steve Smith Retires: Smith, Australia’s replacement captain during the Champions Trophy, will still be eligible to play in Test matches and Twenty20 Internationals.
After Australia lost to India in Tuesday’s Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final, veteran batsman Steve Smith declared his retirement from ODI cricket. Smith told his teammates right away that he had played his final one-day international after leading Australia in scoring with 73. However, the 35-year-old will still represent his nation in Test matches and Twenty20 Internationals.
“I’ve enjoyed every second of this amazing journey. There have been countless incredible moments and priceless memories. Along with the many amazing teammates who shared the adventure, winning two World Cups was a terrific highlight, Smith said.
“Now seems like the ideal time to start getting ready for the 2027 World Cup because it’s a fantastic chance. Test cricket is still a top focus, and I am eagerly anticipating the World Test Championship Final, the winter match against the West Indies, and the home match against England. I believe I still have a lot to offer on that platform.
Steve Smith’s ODI legacy
Most significantly, Smith is a two-time World Champion and retires with 5800 runs from 170 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for Australia, including 12 hundreds. Both the 2015 and 2023 World Cup winning teams for Australia included him, one under Michael Clarke and the other under Pat Cummins. Smith took Clarke’s place as captain of the Australian squad in 2015, and despite having to resign after the infamous ball-tampering controversy in 2018, he returned to the position and retained it until the very end when Cummins was hurt.
Smith captained Australia in 64 One-Day Internationals, scoring 32 while losing 28. During his stint as captain, he led the side to series victories against England and India, especially in his first year as full-time captain. In 2016, he also won the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy and won a Caribbean tri-series against South Africa and the West Indies. Smith most recently led Australia to an outstanding 3-0 clean sweep against the West Indies during the 2023–24 home summer.
“We completely respect and agree with Steve’s decision to stop playing One Day International cricket. Steve has repeatedly stated that he is approaching the rest of his playing career series by series, a stance that Cricket Australia supports and that hasn’t altered, according to Cricket Australia’s Chairman of Selectors George Bailey.
