Steve Smith’s retirement from one-day internationals stunned the cricket world on Wednesday but fans reckon a telling moment between the Aussie captain and Virat Kohli offered a huge clue that the announcement was coming. Kohli’s masterful knock in the Champions Trophy semi-final helped knock the Aussies out of the tournament, in what turned out to be Smith’s final ODI game in the green and gold.

Soon after the defeat, the Aussie captain informed his teammates in Dubai that he was stepping aside from the 50-over format but has no plans to walk away from T20s or Test cricket. The 35-year-old will continue to play Test and T20 international cricket, and has expressed a desire to represent Australia at the 2028 Olympics in LA (in T20s).

“There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories,” Smith said in a statement on Wednesday. “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.” He walks away from the format with 12 ODI centuries and 35 fifties and a highest score of 164 against New Zealand in 2016.

Did Steve Smith drop big clue before retirement call?

While Smith’s bombshell announcement came out of the blue and shocked fans around the world, some believe a post-match moment between the Aussie skipper and Kohli offered a huge clue that something was coming. The two superstars have fought some fierce battles over the years as two of the best batters of their generation, but were seen embracing after Smith said something to his Indian counterpart.

It may well have just been a show of respect between the veteran batters after their Champions Trophy showdown in Dubai. But that hasn’t stopped footage of the incident spreading on social media and many viewers speculating that Smith informed Kohli about his retirement decision before going public with the announcement.

Cricket world hails Steve Smith after retirement news

Australian selection chief George Bailey said Cricket Australia (CA) “fully understands and supports” Smith’s retirement decision and congratulated him on an incredible career. He also welcomed Smith’s continued commitment to red-ball cricket. “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,” Bailey said. “Steve remains fully committed to Test cricket and is an integral member of and leader within that team.”

Smith captained Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, who is recovering from an ankle injury. Cummins and wife Becky also just recently welcomed their second child together. Smith bowed out as Australia’s top-scorer in his last game, making 73 in the four-wicket semi-final defeat to India.

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Newly appointed CA chief executive Todd Greenberg echoed the sentiments of fans all around the world after hailing Smith’s contribution to the 50-over game. “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,” the CA boss said.

“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.”

with AAP