¡®End of an era¡¯: Australian batsman Steve Smith bids farewell to ODI cricket; announcement leaves fans heartbroken

Steve Smith, the veteran Australian batsman, announced his retirement from ODI cricket on Tuesday.

The announcement came after his team's defeat to India in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025. Smith, who scored top for Australia with 73 runs, informed his teammates that he'd played his last one-day international.

However, the 35-year-old player will continue to play the Tests and T20Is for his country.

Steve Smith shares an emotional post

Sharing a post about his last day of his ODI career, Steve Smith shared an emotional post with a caption that read, "It¡¯s time to close the chapter on my ODI career. It¡¯s been such a pleasure wearing the canary yellow, and I'm super proud to have been part of 2 World Cup-winning teams along the way. Thanks to everyone for all of the support, it¡¯s been one hell of a ride. ??"

View this post on Instagram

According to a Fox Sports report, for Smith, it has been a great ride, and he loved every minute of it. He said there have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories throughout the journey. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight along with the fantastic teammates who share the journey, he quoted.

He went on to say that it is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so he feels that it is the time to make his way, the report further noted.

Fans share reactions to Steve Smith¡¯s retirement

As soon as the post surfaced on the internet, fans were left shocked and emotional. Here are some of the reactions:

Australian cricketer David Warner wrote, "Well done mate unbelievable career well done ???"

One user wrote, ¡°End of an era in ODIs.¡±

End of an era in ODIs.

Steve Smith retires from ODI cricket, but will continue in Tests & T20Is. pic.twitter.com/vwqSU0XNzc

¡ª Taps Cricket Academy???? @Tapslua (@AcademyTaps) March 5, 2025

¡°My whole childhood flashes before my eyes every time one of my heroes retires,¡± another commented.

¡°What a legend, my favourite cricket player?I¡¯m going to cry.¡±

'Miss you already ?

'My favourite 100 of yours will be your back to back 100 against ind in 62 balls ????'

'I still remember the century against India in 2015 semis ?'

'Very Badly hurt with this decision Smudge but eventually we respect your decision. You have been a major part of our cricketing life as a spectator and an ardent fan. Words are never enough to thank you for your wonderful contributions throughout the years. One in a million , Win lose or Tie Steven Peter Devereux Smith Till I die .

A look at Steve Smith's ODI journey

In a major development, Australia's legendary batsman has announced his retirement from ODIs after their defeat to India during the Champions Trophy 2025.

Amid this, it is crucial to note that the 35-year-old will continue to be available for Test matches and T20Is. Before diving into his ODI legacy, it is important to mention that Steve Smith is one of Australia's most accomplished ODI players.

The great Steve Smith has called time on a superb ODI career ? pic.twitter.com/jsKDmVSG1h

¡ª Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) March 5, 2025

The star player made his debut in 2010 as a leg-spinning all-rounder against West Indies on February 19 before evolving into a batsman. The 35-year-old has scored 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96; with this, he managed to secure his place among Australia's top run-getters.

His tally lists 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries, which made him the 12th highest run-scorer for Australia in ODIs.

Steve Smith's ODI Stats

Matches 170

Innings 154

Runs 5800

Average 43.28

Strike Rate 86.96

100s/50s

12/35

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