Steve Smith Retires After Champions Trophy Exit: Australian Great Bids Farewell to ODIs
Australian cricket suffered a major shock as Steve Smith retires after Champions Trophy exit, announcing his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) following Australia’s semi-final loss to India. The legendary batter and former captain informed his teammates after Australia’s elimination, confirming that he would continue playing Test and T20 cricket but would step away from the 50-over format.
This announcement marks the end of an illustrious ODI career for Smith, who was a two-time ODI World Cup winner (2015, 2023) and one of Australia’s most reliable performers in major tournaments.
Steve Smith Retires After Champions Trophy Exit: A Look at His Final ODI Innings
Australia’s semi-final against India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy turned out to be Steve Smith’s final ODI appearance. Batting first, Smith top-scored for Australia with a crucial 73-run knock, but his effort was not enough as India chased down the target with four wickets to spare, securing their spot in the final.
Following the match, Smith gathered his teammates in the dressing room and announced his decision to step away from ODIs. Speaking about his retirement, Smith expressed gratitude for his journey in the format:
“It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it. 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.”
Steve Smith’s ODI Career: A Legacy of Excellence
Steve Smith retires after Champions Trophy exit as one of Australia’s greatest-ever ODI players. From his debut in 2010 as a leg-spinning all-rounder, Smith evolved into a world-class batter, playing a crucial role in Australia’s dominance in the 50-over format.
Steve Smith’s ODI Career Stats:
🏏 Matches Played: 170
🏏 Runs Scored: 5,800
🎯 Batting Average: 43.28
💯 Centuries: 12
🏏 Fifties: 35
🎯 Wickets Taken: 28
🔹 Best Bowling Figures: 3/16
Smith was Australia’s batting backbone in ICC events and helped guide the team to two ODI World Cup titles (2015, 2023). His ability to perform under pressure in knockouts made him one of the most valuable players in the format.
Smith’s Major ODI Achievements
During his 14-year ODI career, Smith received several prestigious awards and set numerous records, making him an all-time great in Australian cricket.
🏆 Two-Time ODI World Cup Winner (2015, 2023)
🏅 Australia’s Men’s ODI Player of the Year (2015, 2021)
🌍 Named in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year (2015)
🔹 Highest Run-Scorer for Australia in Champions Trophy Semi-Final (2025)
📊 Fifth-Highest Australian Run-Scorer in ODI History
His ability to adapt across different conditions and perform in high-pressure situations solidified his place as one of Australia’s greatest ODI cricketers.
Why Did Steve Smith Retire From ODIs?
Steve Smith retires after Champions Trophy exit to allow Australia to prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup, giving young players a chance to settle into the squad. Explaining his decision, he 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.”
Smith also reaffirmed his commitment to Test and T20 cricket, saying he was looking forward to:
- The World Test Championship Final
- Upcoming Test series against West Indies and England
At 35 years old, Smith remains one of the best Test batters and a key player in Australia’s Test team, meaning he will continue to play a significant role in the longer formats of the game.
Tributes Pour In for Steve Smith’s ODI Retirement
As Steve Smith retires after Champions Trophy exit, several Australian cricket officials and teammates praised his contributions to ODI cricket.
CA Chief Executive Todd Greenberg:
“Congratulations to Steve on an amazing One Day International career. His ability to accumulate runs in all conditions and his astute leadership have been crucial to Australia’s success, including the 2015 and 2023 World Cup victories.”
Chair of Selectors George Bailey:
“Steve’s record as a batter across 167 games is exemplary. To leave the format as a two-time World Cup winner cements his legacy as one of the great Australian ODI players. We fully support his decision to retire from ODIs while continuing his commitment to Test cricket.”
Teammates React:
Many of Smith’s current and former teammates paid tribute to his incredible career, calling him one of the most composed and technically gifted batters in ODI history.
- David Warner: “One of the best to do it in ODIs! Been a pleasure watching you play.”
- Pat Cummins: “A champion of the game. Your contributions to Australian cricket will never be forgotten.”
- Aaron Finch: “Congrats Smudge! What a career. Proud to have shared so many memories with you.”
What’s Next for Steve Smith?
While Steve Smith retires after Champions Trophy exit, he remains fully committed to Test cricket, where he is expected to play a major role in Australia’s upcoming red-ball fixtures.
📌 Upcoming Fixtures for Steve Smith:
- World Test Championship Final (2025)
- Australia vs West Indies Test Series
- Ashes 2025-26 in Australia
Smith has also confirmed that he will continue playing T20 Internationals, meaning he could still feature in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad in 2026.
Final Thoughts: Steve Smith’s ODI Legacy
With Steve Smith retiring after Champions Trophy exit, Australian cricket bids farewell to one of its greatest ODI batters. His impact on the game, match-winning performances, and leadership in major ICC tournaments will remain a benchmark for future Australian cricketers.
🏏 5,800 runs, 12 centuries, and two World Cups define Smith’s ODI career.
🏆 Two-time World Cup winner and multiple-time ICC award winner cement his legacy.
🔹 A leader, a fighter, and one of the most composed batters in cricket history.
While ODI cricket loses one of its finest players, Test cricket will continue to witness Steve Smith’s genius, as he remains an integral part of Australia’s red-ball future.
As fans celebrate his remarkable ODI career, the question remains: Will Steve Smith go on to achieve even greater heights in Tests and T20s? Only time will tell.
