Australia Skipper Steve Smith As Called It Quits From The 50-over Format
Australia’s cricket scene felt a big shift when Steve Smith decided to retire his One-Day International (ODI) boots. The announcement came after a tough semifinal loss to India in the Champions Trophy in Dubai, where the 35-year-old batter gave it his all, scoring a gritty 73 in a chase that just didn’t come together. It was a fittingly competitive way to bow out of the 50-over game, even if the result stung. But don’t worry, Smith isn’t done with cricket entirely he’s still got his sights set on Test matches and the fast-paced Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Looking back, Smith’s ODI career was nothing short of remarkable. He stepped onto that stage 170 times, piling up 5,800 runs with an average hovering around 43. Every now and then, he’d unleash something special, like that massive 164 against New Zealand back in 2016, or one of his 12 centuries that kept fans on their feet. He wasn’t just a batter either starting out as a legspinning allrounder, he snagged 28 wickets and pulled off 90 catches with those safe hands. By the time he walked away, he’d climbed to 12th on Australia’s all-time ODI run-scoring list, a testament to his consistency and class.
When he spoke about his decision, Smith’s voice carried a mix of pride and contentment. “It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it,” he said, his words painting a picture of a career well-lived. The highs stood out to him lifting the World Cup trophy in 2015 and again in 2023, surrounded by teammates who made the journey unforgettable. But he also had an eye on the future, noting that stepping aside now gives the younger guys a chance to gear up for the 2027 World Cup. It’s a selfless nod to the next generation, even as he keeps his focus sharp for the red-ball challenges ahead against the West Indies and England. “Test cricket remains a priority,” he said firmly. “I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage.”
Smith’s ODI story isn’t just about numbers, though. He led the team as captain in 64 of those matches, steering Australia through ups and downs with that calm, calculated style of his. And when Cricket Australia’s George Bailey chimed in, you could hear the respect in his tone. “His record as a batter across 167 games is exemplary,” Bailey said, “and to leave the format as a two-time World Cup winner cements his legacy as one of the great Australian ODI players.” It’s a legacy built on skill, grit, and a couple of golden moments that’ll linger in fans’ memories for years to come.
