Steve Smith retires from ODI cricket after Champions Trophy semi-final loss
Australia's Steve Smith retired from ODI cricket after losing to India in the Champions Trophy semi-finals. Smith played 170 ODIs and scored 5800 runs. Cricket Australia confirmed that Smith will continue to play in Tests and T20 matches.
On March 4 (Wednesday), India defeated Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals, after which Steve Smith announced his retirement from ODI international cricket. After the match, Smith told his teammates that he would retire from ODI cricket immediately. Cricket Australia has issued a statement stating that Smith will be available for Test and T20 International matches.
Steve Smith made his debut as a spin-bowling all-rounder against the West Indies in 2010. He played a total of 170 ODIs and scored 5800 runs at an average of 43.28, including 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries. Apart from this, he also took 28 wickets at an average of 34.67. Steve Smith was also part of Australia's 2015 and 2023 ICC World Cup-winning squads. Smith became the captain of the team in the 2025 Champions Trophy in the absence of injured Pat Cummins and led the team till the semi-finals.
In the semi-final played against India in Dubai, Smith decided to bat first on a dry pitch. Smith scored 73 runs in 96 balls on this pitch, which helped Australia set a target of 265 runs. However, India chased down the target brilliantly and made their place in the final of the Champions Trophy for the third time in a row.
Smith said,
"It has been a great journey and I have loved every bit of it. There have been so many wonderful moments and great memories. Winning two World Cups was a fantastic achievement as well as many brilliant team-mates sharing the journey. Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it seems like it's the right time. "
He further said,
"Test cricket is still a priority and I'm really looking forward to playing the World Test Championship final, against the West Indies in the winter and then against England at home. I feel like I still have a lot to do to contribute to that platform. "