Dubai, March 5, 2025: Former Australian captain Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket following Australia’s semi-final exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 35-year-old batsman bows out after a stellar 170-match career, during which he scored 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, including 12 centuries.
Smith, a two-time ODI World Cup winner in 2015 and 2023, captained Australia in their final Champions Trophy match against India, where they suffered a four-wicket defeat in Dubai on Tuesday. Despite stepping away from ODIs, he remains available for Test and T20 cricket.
Reflecting on his decision, Smith highlighted his World Cup victories as the most cherished moments of his ODI journey.
“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.”
He also emphasized the need for Australia to begin preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup, stating:
“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 played a key role in Australia’s 2015 World Cup victory, hitting the winning boundary in the final against New Zealand at the MCG. He was also instrumental in Australia’s 2023 World Cup triumph, helping them defeat hosts India to claim their sixth title.
Steve Smith played 170 ODIs scoring 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28 with 12 centuries. His highest ODI score 164 was against New Zealand. He was Australian Men’s ODI Player of the Year in 2015 and 2021.
Despite retiring from ODIs, Smith remains committed to Test cricket, looking ahead to the World Test Championship final, the West Indies tour, and Ashes series against England.
“Test cricket remains a priority, and I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage.”
With Smith stepping away from ODIs, Australia’s next generation will have opportunities to step up. Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, and Josh Hazlewood—all 34 or older—could soon follow suit, signaling a transitional phase for the team.
Youngster Cooper Connolly (21), who made an appearance against India due to Matt Short’s injury, is expected to receive more chances in the coming years.
Smith’s retirement marks the end of an era in Australian ODI cricket. While his legacy is cemented as one of the greats, his Test career resurgence suggests he still has much more to offer on the red-ball stage.
