Australian cricket great Steve Smith has revealed he is retiring from One-Day Internationals (ODIs) but will play on in Tests until at least the next home Ashes series against England.
The 35-year-old told his teammates of his ODI retirement after leading Australia to a Champions Trophy semi-final loss to India in Dubai.
Smith, who has won the ODI World Cup twice, made the decision since Australia is preparing for the 2027 World Cup in Africa. But he is still devoted to Test cricket and T20 internationals.
Smith Giving Test Cricket Top Priority
"Test cricket is still a priority," Smith was quoted as saying on Wednesday.
"I am really excited about the World Test Championship final, the West Indies series in the winter, and then England at home. I feel I still have a lot to give on that platform."
Smith, who has always assessed his career series by series, will now concentrate on red-ball cricket, where he has been one of Australia's most reliable performers.
An Illustrious ODI Career
Smith quits the 50-over game after 170 matches, having scored 5,800 runs at a remarkable average of 43.28, with 12 centuries.
Looking back on his ODI career, Smith stated:
"It has been a great ride, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight, as well as the many wonderful teammates who shared the journey."
With Australia's next ODIs against South Africa in August and a series in India before the Ashes, Smith thought it was the right time to leave.
"Now is a good time for individuals to begin preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it seems like the right time to make way," he further added.
Cricket Australia and Selectors Support Smith's Decision
Australia’s chairman of selectors, George Bailey, backed Smith’s call, saying the selection panel “understood and supported” his reasons for stepping away from ODIs.
"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," Bailey said.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg also praised Smith's performances, especially in his last ODI series.
"Until his last ODI innings, Steve had a remarkable capacity to score runs in all conditions. And his shrewd leadership has been vital to the team's continued success," Greenberg said.
Final ODI Performance & Future Plans
Smith signed off for ODIs as Australia's highest scorer in the Champions Trophy semi-final, scoring a gallant 73 in a four-wicket defeat against India. He captained the team in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, who was recovering from an ankle injury.
Whereas Smith's emphasis nowadays is in Test cricket, he is still contracted to play for Australia's T20 squad, keeping in reserve the opportunity of playing at the 2026 T20 World Cup.
For now, Australian supporters have the exciting opportunity of seeing Smith in the imminent World Test Championship final, West Indies tour, and closely fought home Ashes conflict versus England.
