Steve Smith, one of Australia’s finest cricketers, has officially announced his retirement from One-Day Internationals (ODIs) following Australia’s semi-final exit in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 35-year-old batting maestro, who played a pivotal role in Australia’s dominance in white-ball cricket, bid farewell to the 50-over format after an illustrious career spanning over 15 years. Smith, who initially started as a leg-spinning all-rounder, evolved into one of the most technically sound and reliable batters in the world, leaving behind an impressive legacy in ODI cricket. His contributions in Australia’s World Cup-winning campaigns in 2015 and 2023, along with his ability to anchor innings in crucial matches, made him an indispensable part of the team. While stepping away from ODIs, Smith will continue to represent Australia in Test cricket and T20Is, ensuring his presence remains in the international arena.
Steve Smith’s Journey in ODI Cricket: From a Leg-Spinner to a Batting Genius
The retirement of Steve Smith from ODIs marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Australian cricket. Smith, who initially started as a leg-spinning all-rounder, transformed himself into one of the best batsmen of the modern era. His unorthodox technique, relentless consistency, and exceptional game awareness made him a key figure in Australia’s ODI dominance over the years.
The Early Years: A Promising Start (2010-2013)
Steve Smith made his ODI debut for Australia on February 19, 2010, against the West Indies. Initially selected as a leg-spinner, he was primarily seen as a bowling all-rounder. However, his natural batting abilities soon began to shine, and he gradually moved up the batting order.
Between 2010 and 2013, Smith struggled to cement his place in the ODI squad due to the presence of experienced players. His inconsistent performances saw him in and out of the team, but he continued to develop his batting skills.
The Breakthrough Years: Becoming a Key Batter (2014-2015)
The turning point in Steve Smith’s career came during the 2014-15 season. With Australia looking for a solid middle-order batsman, Smith grabbed the opportunity and delivered match-winning performances.
His standout moment came in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he played a crucial role in guiding Australia to their fifth title. Smith scored a century in the semi-final against India and followed it up with a match-winning 56 in the final against New Zealand. His World Cup performances cemented his place as one of Australia’s most reliable ODI batsmen.
Peak Years: Establishing Himself as an ODI Great (2016-2019)
From 2016 to 2019, Steve Smith was at his absolute best. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed made him a vital asset in Australia’s ODI squad.
- Scored multiple centuries in high-pressure games
- Became the Australian captain in 2016
- Maintained a batting average above 45 in ODIs during this period
- Led Australia in the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2019 ICC World Cup
However, Smith’s career faced a major setback in 2018 when he was handed a one-year ban due to the infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. This incident temporarily halted his career, but his comeback was nothing short of remarkable.
The Redemption Phase: Comeback and World Cup Glory (2019-2023)
After serving his suspension, Steve Smith returned to international cricket stronger than ever. He played a crucial role in Australia’s 2019 World Cup campaign, scoring vital runs under pressure.
His best moment came in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he played a key role in helping Australia lift their sixth title. Smith’s experience and composure in crunch situations proved invaluable as he guided Australia through challenging matches.
The Final Years: A Gradual Exit from ODIs (2024-2025)
As younger players started to emerge in the Australian ODI setup, Smith’s role in the team gradually changed. While he was still a dependable middle-order batter, he played fewer games, focusing more on Test cricket.
His decision to retire from ODIs came after Australia’s semi-final loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In his farewell speech, Smith expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and fans for their support throughout his career.
Steve Smith’s ODI Career Stats
- Matches Played: 170
- Total Runs: 5,800
- Batting Average: 43.28
- Centuries: 12
- Fifties: 45
- World Cup Wins: 2015, 2023
- Highest Score: 164*
Legacy and Future Plans
With his retirement from ODIs, Steve Smith will now focus on Test cricket, where he remains one of the best batsmen in the world. He has also expressed interest in continuing his T20 career, keeping the door open for future franchise leagues and international tournaments.
Cricket Australia’s CEO Todd Greenberg praised Smith, stating, “Steve Smith has been a legend of Australian cricket. His contributions to ODI cricket will never be forgotten, and we look forward to seeing him continue his brilliance in Test matches.”
Fans, former teammates, and cricketing legends have all paid tribute to Smith’s ODI career, celebrating his achievements and the impact he has had on Australian cricket.
Final Thoughts
Steve Smith leaves behind a remarkable legacy in ODI cricket. From being a young leg-spinner to becoming one of the most reliable batters in the world, his journey has been nothing short of inspirational. While his ODI career has come to an end, his influence on the game will continue for years to come.
For the latest updates on Steve Smith and Australian cricket, visit hottrendingnow.com
Leave a Reply