Australian Captain Steve Smith Retires From ODI Cricket After Champions Trophy Exit

Australian captain Steve Smith on Wednesday announced his retirement from One Day International Cricket on Wednesday after his team was knocked out of the Champions Trophy in the semi-final match against India.

What Smith Said?

"Smith told teammates after the match he would retire from ODI cricket immediately. He will continue to be available for Tests and T20 Internationals," a press release from the cricketer read.

Smith had made his debut against the West Indies in 2010 as a leg-spinning all-rounder. Since then, he has played 170 ODIs, scoring 5800 runs at 43.28. He has hit 12 centuries and 35 half centuries and has taken 28 wickets at 34.67.

"It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it," Smith said.

"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 ODI World Cup so it feels like the right time to make way.

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. I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage."

The announcement comes a day after Australia lost to India in the Champions Trophy. The Men in Blue defeated the Aussies in the semi-final match by four wickets with 11 balls to spare.

NSP Chairman On Smith's Retirement

Responding to Smith's retirement, Australian National Selection Panel (NSP) chair George Bailey added: "We fully understand and support Steve's decision to retire from One-Day International cricket.

"Steve has said on many occasions he is approaching the remainder of his playing career on a series-by-series basis, a position which hasn't changed and one Cricket Australia supports," Bailey said in a statement.

"His record as a batter across 170 games is exemplary and to leave the format as a two-time World Cup winner cements his legacy as one of the great Australian ODI players. From an NSP standpoint, Steve remains fully committed to Test cricket and is an integral member of and leader within that team."

A member of Australia's 2015 and 2023 ICC World Cup winning teams, Smith became ODI captain in 2015 and led the team in 64 matches.