Steve Smith retires from ODI cricket after semi-final defeat to India

KATHMANDU: Australian cricketer Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket following Australia’s defeat to India in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy.

Despite being the highest run-scorer for Australia in the semi-final, Smith chose this moment to bring an end to his illustrious career in the 50-over format.

According to a statement released by Cricket Australia on Tuesday, Smith’s decision to retire came shortly after the match.

The Australian captain shared that he had discussed his retirement plans with the team immediately after the game.

Steve Smith, who has been a central figure in Australian cricket, will continue to be available for Test and T20 formats, leaving the ODI format behind.

Smith made his debut in 2010 against the West Indies, originally as a leg-spin all-rounder, before evolving into one of the world’s best batsmen.

Over the course of his 170-match ODI career, Smith accumulated 5,800 runs at an average of 43.2, including 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries.

His remarkable consistency with the bat has been one of the highlights of his career, and he also contributed with the ball, taking 28 wickets in ODIs.

Smith was a crucial member of Australia’s victorious teams in the 2015 and 2023 ICC One-Day International World Cups.

In 2015, he was appointed as the captain of the Australian ODI team, leading them to glory in the tournament.

His leadership and performances were pivotal in shaping Australia’s cricketing dominance in the format during his tenure.

With his decision to retire from ODIs, Smith’s departure marks the end of an era in Australian cricket.

However, his legacy as one of the greatest ODI players will be remembered for years to come, and his future endeavors in the Test and T20 formats will continue to captivate cricket fans around the world.