In the twilight of his career, Steven Smith has announced his retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket. With an impressive record of 5,800 runs and 28 wickets in 170 ODIs, along with two World Cup titles, Smith said goodbye after his final match against India in the Champions Trophy semi-final at Dubai International Stadium.
His innings of 73 runs off 96 balls was a testament to his classic ODI style. Now 35, Smith aims to focus on Test and T20 cricket, stepping away from ODIs to dedicate time to Australia’s preparations for the 2027 World Cup. Reflecting on his departure, he stated, “Now is the right time to step away as I prepare for the 2027 World Cup.”
Smith reminisced about his journey with the national team, recalling the joy of winning two World Cups. “It’s been a fantastic journey, with many incredible moments and great memories,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Smith intends to concentrate on Test cricket, with the Test Championship final and the prestigious Ashes series on the horizon. “Test cricket is still my top priority. I believe I still have a lot to offer at this level,” he said.
However, his future in T20 cricket remains uncertain. He was not included in the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup but has expressed a desire to compete in the 2028 Olympics.
Smith concludes his ODI career ranked 12th on Australia’s all-time run-scoring list, with 12 centuries—more than all but five players. His average places him right behind David Warner among Australian batsmen.
Smith’s departure marks the end of an era, but his Test career is still ongoing. Cricket fans now eagerly await to see what the next chapter holds for him.
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