Sports Desk:

The 35-year-old told teammates of his decision in the aftermath of the Champions Trophy semi-final defeat in Dubai overnight, and said on Wednesday “it feels like the right time to make way”

Steve Smith has played his last One-Day International, calling time on his Australia 50-over career following last night’s four-wicket loss to India in Dubai that ended his team’s Champions Trophy campaign, reports cricket.com.au.

Smith will continue to be available for Test and T20I selection, the latter decision perhaps reflecting a wish to be part of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles where the 20-over game will feature for the first time.

The 35-year-old told teammates of his decision in the aftermath of the Champions Trophy semi-final defeat in Dubai overnight, and said on Wednesday “it feels like the right time to make way”.

“It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said in a release on Wednesday.

“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.

“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.

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

Smith ends his ODI career with 170 appearances, making him the nation’s 16th-most capped men’s player in the 50-over format and the 12th highest runs scorer.

He also captained Australia in 64 one-day matches, for a winning percentage of 50 per cent, including series wins against England and India in his first year as full-time skipper, the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy and a tri-series victory over South Africa and West Indies in the Caribbean (both in 2016).

More recently, he led Australia to a 3-0 clean sweep of the West Indies in Cummins’ absence as captain during the 2023-24 home summer.

Smith finishes with 5800 runs at an average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96 per 100 balls faced, with 12 centuries and 35 fifties and a highest score of 164 against New Zealand at the SCG in 2016.