Australian cricketer Steve Smith, who led the team as a stand-in captain during the Champions Trophy, has decided to step away from One Day Internationals (ODIs). The announcement came on Wednesday, mere hours after Australia faced a crushing four-wicket defeat against India in the tournament’s semifinal in Dubai.
While stepping away from the 50-over format, Smith remains committed to playing Test and T20 cricket. His continued involvement in T20Is hints at a potential ambition to represent Australia in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket’s shortest format will make its debut.
Smith broke the news to his teammates following their exit from the Champions Trophy, marking the end of a remarkable ODI career. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed deep gratitude for the experiences and achievements he had in the format.
“It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it. There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight, along with the many fantastic teammates who shared the journey,” Smith stated in a release by Cricket Australia.
Acknowledging the need to transition towards the future, he emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. “Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup, so it feels like the right time to make way,” he added.
With this decision, Steve Smith closes the chapter on an illustrious ODI career, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire Australian cricket for years to come.
