Did Steven Smith Just Say Goodbye to ODIs?
Aussie cricket icon Steven Smith is retiring from ODI cricket after a fantastic run! We’re on the edge of our seats to see what amazing things he does next! Smith’s departure leaves a massive gap in Australia’s middle order. His ability to deliver under pressure and build innings made him one of the greatest batters in modern-day cricket. But what made him so special?
How Did Smith Go from Struggler to Star in ODIs?
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Smith’s ODI journey had bumps. He started as a leg-spinner who could bat. Things changed in 2014. Australia moved him up the batting order in Zimbabwe. He showed his true batting skills. This changed how people saw him. Now, he’s a key top-order batter.
- Runs before 2014 promotion: 431 in 25 innings, average: 20.52, highest score: 46*.
- Runs after promotion: 5369 in 129 innings, average: 47.51.
That decision turned his career around, making him one of the most dependable batters in Australia’s ODI setup.
Why Is Smith Australia’s Best No. 3 in ODIs?
Batting third? It’s tough! Be steady, wait for your pitch, and guide the game with skill and focus. Smith mastered this role, and the numbers prove it:
- ODI batting average at No. 3: He is a great Australian player with a high batting average (52.01) after 10 innings.
- Global ranking: Smith is a great player! Only five players worldwide have a better batting average. He’s ranked number three!
He was good at batting. He could defend and attack, making him hard to bowl to.
How Dominant Was Smith in Home ODIs?
Smith was almost unstoppable on Australian pitches. Playing at home, he created a strong defense. It was hard to beat.
- ODI batting average in Australia: He scored 56.77, the best home score for players who ran 1000+ in ODIs.
- Ranking among all-time greats: He is a top five batter at home, runs over 2000.
Australia was great at home. They became known as a hard team to beat in ODI cricket games, gaining a solid reputation.
Did Smith Deliver in World Cup Knockouts?
Absolutely! Steven Smith is good at cricket. He helps Australia when games are hard. In the World Cup, he plays well under pressure. He is famous for this.
He’s reliable!
- Record tied! Four 50+ scores in World Cup knockouts. Like Sachin, Very Amazing!
- Memorable 2015 World Cup performances:
- Quarter-final vs Pakistan: 65 runs.
- Semi-final vs India: 105 runs.
- Final vs New Zealand: 56* (not out).
Smith plays well under pressure. He helped Australia win World Cups. His batting against India in 2015 was great. It was a tense game! Smith’s skill helped his team succeed. He’s a star player.
Where Does Smith Rank Among the Best in World Cup Knockouts?
Smith’s total of 345 runs in ODI World Cup knockout matches is the third-highest in history, trailing only:
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- Ricky Ponting (442 runs).
- Martin Guptill (346 runs).
He’s cool under pressure. When it matters most, he performs very well. His stats prove he can handle the biggest moments.
How Many ODI World Cup Fifties Did Smith Score?
Smith has a knack for stepping up on the biggest stage.
- Total 50+ scores in ODI World Cups: 11 (joint-most for Australia, alongside Ricky Ponting and David Warner).
His consistency in these tournaments ensured Australia always had a strong foundation in crucial matches.
Where Does Smith Stand in Australia’s ODI World Cup Run-Scorers?
Smith’s name is etched in Australian cricket history. He is among the top ODI World Cup run-scorers for his country:
- 1136 runs in World Cups (third highest for Australia).
- Only behind:
- Ricky Ponting (1743 runs).
- David Warner (1527 runs).
Considering his ability to play match-winning knocks in World Cups, Smith’s place among Australia’s all-time ODI greats is undisputed.
What’s Next for Smith? Will He Play in Other Formats?
Smith is done with ODIs, but still plays Test cricket. He’s focusing on Test matches now. He is one of the best batters globally in red-ball cricket. He will likely dominate the sport.
Fans can still enjoy his classic cover drives, unshakable technique, and brilliant game awareness in Test matches. He may also take part in T20 leagues worldwide, keeping his fans entertained for a few more years.
Steven Smith’s Great Cricket Journey
Steven Smith didn’t start strong in ODI cricket. But he became a top player for Australia. He did well in the World Cup. He played great at No. 3 and scored lots of runs at home. Because of this, he’s one of the best ODI batsmen. Smith worked very hard and became skilled to be the best.
Steven Smith is retiring from ODIs. Fans will remember his great batting. He made amazing shots and played well under pressure. Smith is an Australian cricket legend. His place in cricket history is safe forever. He will be missed.
Also Read About, Virat Kohli’s Masterclass: How He Dominated Australia
