Steve Smith's huge retirement news

Australian veteran cricketer Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One Day International cricket. 

The 35-year-old, who stepped in to fill Pat Cummins’ captaincy role during the ICC Champions Trophy tournament, has played his 170th and last match in the ODI format, losing to India by four wickets. 

After the epic showdown, Smith fronted the media to make the bombshell announcement that his time in the green and gold 50-over uniform had come to an end, effective immediately.

He said, “Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup so it feels like the right time to make way.”

A two-time Australian ODI player of the year and a member of the ICC’s ODI Team of the Year in 2015, Smith plans to continue playing Test matches for some time yet.

“Test cricket remains a priority and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies in the winter and then England at home,” he added. 

“I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage.”

Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg led the tributes to Smith, stating: “Congratulations to Steve on an amazing One-Day International career during which he has made a vast contribution to Australia’s performances in the 50-over format."

“Right up until his final ODI innings Steve exhibited an incredible ability to accumulate runs in all conditions and his astute leadership has been crucial in the team’s ongoing success including the 2015 and 2023 ICC World Cup victories."

“We’re fortunate Steve still has much to offer in the Test and T20 arenas and I look forward to witnessing the next stage of one of cricket’s great careers.”

Image credits: RAHAT DAR/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial