Steve Smith Announces Retirement from ODIs After Champions Trophy Semifinal Defeat

Australian cricketer Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) following Australia's loss to India in the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai on Tuesday. Smith, who captained the Australian team in the tournament, was the top scorer for his side in the semifinal, scoring 73 runs. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent Australia's defeat.

Smith took over the captaincy temporarily after regular skipper Pat Cummins was ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury. The 35-year-old has played 170 ODIs for Australia, amassing 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96. His career includes 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries. He finishes as Australia's 12th-highest run-scorer in ODI history. Smith’s highest individual score in ODIs is 164, which he achieved against New Zealand in 2016.

Initially debuting as a leg-spinning all-rounder, Smith has also contributed with the ball, taking 28 wickets in his ODI career. Additionally, he has taken 90 catches. He was part of the Australian squad that won the ICC Cricket World Cup in both 2015 and 2023.

Following Michael Clarke’s retirement, Smith took over as Australia’s ODI captain, leading the team in 64 matches. Under his leadership, Australia won 32 matches, lost 28, and had four games end without a result.

According to Cricket Australia (CA), Smith informed his teammates about his immediate retirement from ODIs after the semifinal defeat. However, he will continue to be available for Test and T20 cricket.