Steve Smith Announces Retirement from ODIs After Champions Trophy Exit:

Steve Smith, Australia's star batsman, has declared his retirement from One-Day Internationals. His last outing in ODIs came during the Champions Trophy semifinals where India played Australia in Dubai. Australia lost the match despite Smith scoring 73, and he remains the top Australian scorer in that match.

The 35-year-old has played 170 ODIs with an impressive tally of 5800 runs at an average of 43.28 in addition to a strike rate of 86.96. His runs include 12 centuries alongside 35 half-centuries. He finished his career ranked 12 among the highest run-scorers in Australia’s ODI history. In 2016, he scored 164 runs against New Zealand which remains his highest ODI score till date. Steve's all-rounder career commenced with him being a legspin bowler, so he also has 28 wickets and 90 catches to his name.

As per a statement issued by Cricket Australia, it was reported that Smith broke the news of his ODI retirement to his teammates right after their semifinal loss. As of now, Smith will still be available for Test cricket and Twenty20 Internationals. “It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it,” said Smith. “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.”

“American Footballers ready for World Cup 2027 will find preparing for it now most convenient, so it is time we step aside,” he added. “My major focus remains on Test cricket, and I am eager about the World Test Championship Final, the Caribbean Series, followed by England coming to Australia for the Ashes. I think it’s time for me to take a step up.”

Smith has been part of Australia’s ODI World Cup winning squad in 2015 and 2023. After Michael Clarke’s retirement, he assumed the captaincy of the 50-over squad. He captained Australia in 64 matches, out of which they won 32, lost 28, and there were four no results. His captaincy tenure commenced during The Champions Trophy as an interim captain while Pat Cummins was recovering from an injury.

While discussing Smith’s move, the head selector of the Men’s Australian team George Bailey commented: “There is no denying that Steve’s decision to retire from One Day International cricket is difficult, but we support him unconditionally. As Steve has mentioned several times, he is treating what is left of his career on a series-by-series basis and that has not changed. And this is something which Cricket Australia welcomes.”

"His performance as a batter over 167 games is phenomenal, and retiring as a two-time World Cup champion only strengthens his reputation as one of Australia's ODI greats. From an NSP perspective, Steve is still fully engaged in Test cricket and is a core constituent of, and leader in, that group."