Steve Smith, Australia’s go-to guy for ODIs, just pulled the plug on his 50-over career. Yep, he’s done with One-Day Internationals. Funny how it ended — there he was, giving his all in the Champions Trophy semifinal against India in the sizzling Dubai heat, pushed to the limit. Scored 73, still lost. Eh, that’s cricket, right?
I mean, 170 ODIs, that’s quite a run! This dude stacked up 5,800 runs with a batting average that makes you go “whoa,” especially when paired with a strike rate that doesn’t mess around. And the stats — oh boy — 12 tons and 35 fifties. Oh, and I can’t even forget that banger of 164 against New Zealand. Back in ’16? What a time. Oh, and turns out, this guy wasn’t just waving the bat around—started as a leggie, remember? Snagged 28 wickets and showed off with 90 catches. Talk about making yourself useful!
Cricket Australia, in their ever-so-official manner, drops a statement — Steve told the lads right after the semi’s buzzer. He’s sticking around for Test and T20, though. So, not totally vanishing. Phew!
There’s him saying “it’s been ace”—which, read between the lines, he’s had a blast. “Great times, mighty folks,” and all that jazz. Did you know he has two World Cups? Like, not bad for a day’s work. Even captained for a bit—64 matches ain’t kids’ play. Oh, remember when he had to fill in for Cummins in the Champions Trophy ’cause of injury? The unsung hero.
He’s dialing back on ODIs to give the new kids a go for the 2027 Cup. Thoughtful, right? And he’s got Test cricket on his radar. World Test Championship, West Indies, then, boom, the Ashes. Guy’s not slowing down at all.
From the cricketing bigwigs, George Bailey, the dude in charge of picks, chimes in. Tips his hat to Smith’s call and record. I guess leaving on a win feels pretty darn good, no? Plus, ‘Test specialist’ has a nice ring to it.
So, here’s to Steve Smith: from spin wizard to a batting maestro. His ODI chapter’s closed, but don’t count him out yet. New horizons, same determination. What a rollercoaster. Thanks for the memories, Steve!
