See the stunning detail you missed about Steve Smith’s shock cricket retirement

Cricket fans believe they have pinpointed the exact moment that Steve Smith revealed his retirement from one-day internationals on the field during an interaction with Virat Kohli.

Smith, 35, announced his retirement from ODI matches after appearing in the format 170 times for his country.

The shock move came after he led Australia to defeat in the semifinal of the Champions Trophy on Tuesday night while filling in for skipper Pat Cummins.

Many fans believe that Smith indicated it was his last match while interacting with Kohli directly after the match. 

Fans speculate that Kohli says ‘Last?’ and the Aussie captain answers ‘Yes’ before the pair embrace.

Smith will keep playing in Tests and T20 matches for his country as he leaves the door open for a possible appearance at the 2028 Olympics, where the 20-over game will feature for the first time.

‘It feels like the right time to make way [for younger players],’ Smith said.

‘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.

‘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 also took to social media to make the announcement.

‘It’s time to close the chapter on my ODI career,’ he wrote.

‘It’s been such a pleasure wearing the canary yellow and 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.’

Smith scored 5800 runs across 170 ODI matches for Australia, averaging 43.28 with a high score of 164, 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries to his name. That puts him sixth in Australia’s all-time leading hundred scorers in men’s ODIs. 

He also took 28 wickets as a bowler at an average of 34.67 with best figures of 3/16 and notably helped Australia clinch victories during their 2015 and 2023 World Cup winning campaigns.

On Tuesday, he produced a brilliant 73 of 96 balls in his final 50-over innings to help steady his side during their Champions Cup semi-final defeat against India. 

Reports from The Sydney Morning Herald claim that Smith has been conversing with selectors ‘on a series-by-series’ basis over his future – with the Aussie captain having been ambivalent over his future with the 50-over side.

National Selection Panel chair George Bailey hailed Smith before adding that the stand-in captain will remain committed to Test cricket and T20 cricket. 

‘We fully understand and support Steve’s decision to retire from One-Day International cricket,’ Bailey said in a statement to Cricket Australia. 

‘Steve has said on many occasions he is approaching the remainder of his playing career on a series-by-series basis, a position which hasn’t changed and one Cricket Australia supports.

‘His record as a batter across 170 games is exemplary and to leave the format as a two-time World Cup winner cements his legacy as one of the great Australian ODI players.

‘From an NSP standpoint, Steve remains fully committed to Test cricket and is an integral member of and leader within that team.’

The exclusion of ODI cricket from his playing calendar will mean Smith will be fresher to contribute to Australia’s Test and T20 formats. 

It comes ahead of a busy winter for the men’s national side, who will first travel to London for their ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa, before heading out to the West Indies for a three-match series ahead of this summer’s Ashes.

‘Congratulations to Steve on an amazing One-Day International career during which he has made a vast contribution to Australia’s performances in the 50-over format,’ 

‘Right up until his final ODI innings Steve exhibited an incredible ability to accumulate runs in all conditions and his astute leadership has been crucial in the team’s ongoing success including the 2015 and 2023 ICC World Cup victories.

‘We’re fortunate Steve still has much to offer in the Test and T20 arenas and I look forward to witnessing the next stage of one of cricket’s great careers.’