After Australia’s defeat in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025 against India, the team has suffered another setback. Steve Smith, who captained Australia in the tournament, has announced his retirement from One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Cricket Australia confirmed this on Wednesday. Australia lost to India by four wickets on Tuesday. In the absence of Pat Cummins, Smith led the team. However, he will continue to play Test cricket, while he has been out of the T20 International squad for some time.
Kohli Hugged Smith
After Team India’s victory on Tuesday, Virat Kohli was seen hugging Steve Smith, which many are linking to Smith’s retirement. However, it is unclear whether Smith informed Kohli about his decision. Both Smith and Kohli are considered among the four best batsmen of the modern era. While Smith is regarded as a master in Test cricket, Kohli is considered one of the best in ODIs.
Steve Smith’s ODI Career
Smith played 170 ODIs for Australia, scoring 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96. His highest individual score in ODIs is 164 runs. Throughout his ODI career, he scored 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries. In Champions Trophy 2025, Smith was not in great form, scoring 97 runs in three innings at an average of 48.50. His best knock in the tournament was 73 runs against India, before being clean bowled by Mohammed Shami on a full toss.
Also Read- ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Prize Money for Winner, Runner-up
Smith made his ODI debut on February 19, 2010, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against West Indies. He was part of Australia’s World Cup-winning squads in 2015 and 2023.
Smith’s Impressive Test Stats
Despite his ODI retirement, Smith remains one of the greatest Test batsmen. In 116 Tests (206 innings), he has scored 10,271 runs at an average of 56.75, with a highest score of 239 runs. His Test career includes 36 centuries, 41 half-centuries, and four double centuries.
Additionally, Smith has played 67 T20 internationals, scoring 1,094 runs at an average of 24.86 and a strike rate of 125.46, with five half-centuries.
