Steve Smith Bids Farewell to ODIs: Australia didn’t make it to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final after losing to Rohit Sharma‘s team by four wickets in the first semifinal. On Wednesday, March 5, star batter Steve Smith shocked the cricket world by announcing his retirement from One Day International cricket.
Steve Smith Announces Retirement from ODIs
Steve Smith made his ODI debut in 2010 against the West Indies as a leg-spinning all-rounder. However, he later became one of Australia’s greatest ODI players. In 170 ODIs, he scored 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, including 12 centuries and 35 fifties. Smith also took 28 wickets, with an average of 34.67.
Steve Smith thanked everyone for the memories he made during his ODI career, calling it an incredible experience and something he cherished deeply. The former Australia captain mentioned that winning two World Cups was one of the biggest achievements of his career.
“It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said (as quoted by Sport Star).
“There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight along with the many fantastic team-mates who shared the journey.”
Steve Smith mentioned that his retirement from ODIs gives others a chance to prepare for the 2027 World Cup. He emphasized that Test cricket remains his top priority and added that he still has a lot to contribute in the longest format of the game.
“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 continued.
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“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,” he concluded.
Virat Kohli Hugged Steve Smith
Meanwhile, after Australia’s defeat, Steve Smith was also spotted hugging Virat Kohli, while the teams were shaking hands after the game. The pictures and videos of the emotional moment are now going viral on the internet
https://twitter.com/DhoniRainaTeam/status/1897196667742638139
https://twitter.com/imkevin149/status/1897179093457887541
https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1897185886384926870
Australia’s Performance in the Semifinal vs India
Australia batted first and scored 264 runs in 49.3 overs, with Steve Smith top-scoring 73. Despite the chance to surpass 300, they lost wickets quickly towards the end.
Smith was a key player in Australia’s 2015 and 2023 World Cup wins. He captained the team in 2015 and in his final match as interim captain, leading Australia to the semi-finals before losing to India. He was named Australia’s Men’s ODI Player of the Year in 2015 and 2021 and made the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year in 2015.
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