Steve Smith Retires from ODI Cricket

Australian cricket legend Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket, marking the end of an illustrious chapter in his career. Smith made this decision following Australia’s semi-final loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. At 35 years old, the right-handed batsman has left behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. His impact on Australia’s ODI team, his consistency with the bat, and his leadership on the field have solidified his place among cricket’s greatest players.

In this blog, we take a look at Steve Smith’s journey in ODI cricket, his unforgettable performances, and the reason behind his retirement decision.

A Journey from a Leg-Spinner to a Batting Maestro

Steve Smith made his ODI debut for Australia in 2010, initially joining the team as a leg-spinning all-rounder. However, as his career progressed, his exceptional batting abilities took center stage. His transformation from a lower-order batsman and part-time bowler to one of the best batsmen in the world is nothing short of extraordinary.

Over the years, Smith became a pillar of the Australian middle order, helping his team navigate difficult situations and build match-winning partnerships. His ability to adapt to different conditions, play spin and pace equally well, and deliver under pressure made him a standout performer.

By the time he decided to retire from ODIs, Smith had achieved several milestones that placed him among the all-time greats.

Steve Smith’s ODI Career in Numbers

Steve Smith’s contributions to Australian cricket can be best understood through his statistics:
• Matches Played: 170
• Total Runs Scored: 5,800
• Batting Average: 43.28
• Centuries Scored: 12
• Half-Centuries: 35
• Highest Individual Score: 164 vs New Zealand (2016)

Smith’s ability to score consistently across different conditions played a crucial role in Australia’s success, especially in ICC tournaments.

Unforgettable Moments in ODI Cricket

Throughout his 15-year-long ODI career, Steve Smith produced several remarkable performances that will be cherished by cricket fans forever.

2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Heroics

One of his most iconic performances came in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. In the semi-final against India, Smith scored a brilliant 105 runs, helping Australia set up a match-winning total. His innings showcased his ability to play under pressure and rise to the occasion when it mattered the most. Australia went on to win the World Cup, with Smith playing a key role in the final as well.

Consistent Performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup

Smith was equally impressive in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where his consistency helped Australia defend their title. His ability to anchor the innings, counterattack when needed, and guide younger players in pressure situations made him an invaluable asset to the team.

164 Against New Zealand (2016)

Smith’s highest individual ODI score came in a match against New Zealand in 2016, where he scored 164 runs off just 157 balls. His innings was a masterclass in stroke play, showcasing his ability to accelerate and dominate bowlers.

Why Did Steve Smith Retire from ODI Cricket?

Steve Smith’s decision to retire from ODI cricket was driven by the need to make way for younger players ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. In his announcement, Smith stated:

“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.”

This statement highlights Smith’s selfless approach, as he wants to ensure that the Australian team has enough time to develop new players for the next World Cup cycle.

While stepping away from ODIs, Smith has not retired from all formats of cricket. He will continue to play Test cricket and T20 Internationals, focusing on upcoming Test series and the World Test Championship Final.

The Legacy of Steve Smith in ODI Cricket

Steve Smith’s ODI career will be remembered for his:
1. Unorthodox Batting Technique – His unusual movements at the crease and ability to find gaps made him one of the toughest batsmen to bowl to.
2. Ability to Perform Under Pressure – Whether it was a World Cup match or a series decider, Smith had the temperament to deliver when the team needed him the most.
3. Consistency Across All Conditions – He scored runs in Australia, India, England, South Africa, and New Zealand, proving his adaptability.
4. Leadership Qualities – Even when he was not the captain, his experience and cricketing intelligence helped younger players grow.

Cricket Australia’s chief executive, Todd Greenberg, acknowledged Smith’s contributions by stating:

“Steve exhibited an incredible ability to accumulate runs in all conditions, and his astute leadership has been crucial in the team’s ongoing success, including the 2015 and 2023 ICC World Cup victories.”

Although Smith has retired from ODIs, cricket fans will still see him in Test matches and T20 Internationals. With several major Test series lined up, including clashes against England and the West Indies, Smith will continue to be a key figure in Australian cricket.

Additionally, his experience in T20 cricket will be valuable as Australia prepares for upcoming ICC T20 World Cups.

Final Thoughts: A Legend Says Goodbye to ODI Cricket

Steve Smith’s retirement from ODI cricket marks the end of a glorious era for Australia. His achievements, consistency, and ability to perform on the biggest stage make him one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time.

While he may no longer be part of the 50-over format, his contributions to Australian cricket will be remembered forever. As fans, we can only thank Steve Smith for his dedication and unforgettable performances while looking forward to seeing him continue his excellence in other formats of the game.

Thank you, Steve Smith, for the memories!