3 players who can replace Steve Smith in Australia’s ODI squad

3 players who can replace Smith in ODI squad. (Photo by Matt King – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images/Getty Images)

The Australian team failed to qualify for the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 after losing to India in the semi-finals in Dubai. Though the team has had a great tournament, the team has got a bit of a surprise as legendary batter Steve Smith has announced his retirement from the One-day format.

Though Smith has had more success in Test cricket, he has also had a decent career in 50-over cricket as well, where he has scored 5800 runs at an average of 43.28 in 170 games where he has played the anchor role at the top of the order with perfection. It will be interesting to see which batter will be going on to replace the 3-time World Champion within the team. This will surely be a huge responsibility for the players who will be playing in that position.

Also Read: Top 3 ODI knocks played by Steve Smith

Here are the three potential players who can replace the world-class batter in the ODI format:

3. Cooper Connolly

Cooper Connolly is currently one of the upcoming stars on the Australian side. The 21-year-old all-rounder might not have had a great start to his international career so far, but he has a great record in domestic and franchise cricket. Not only can he make the runs with the bat, but he can also bowl some crucial overs of left-arm spin as well.

Though Connolly has played only four ODI matches, he has a brilliant record with the bat in first-class cricket and has had a great Big Bash League season while representing the Perth Scorchers, scoring 351 runs at an average of 50.14, which could be a sign to groom him to play in Smith’s position.

2. Matthew Short

Another all-rounder who can take the position of Steve Smith is Matthew Short. Though he has been opening the batting recently, there is also a chance that he might take Smith’s number three spot as well. Short has the technique and the game to play the role Smith has been playing in the format, and it will also be a great way to prove himself.

Short has so far played 15 ODIs for Australia and has scored 280 runs, which includes two half-centuries. One of the knocks came in the Champions Trophy game against England. Apart from that, he can also bowl some effective off-spinners as well. Short has already become a decorated player for the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL and has a decent List-A record, which could be enough to take the number three position in the One Day format.

1. Marnus Labuschagne

There is no doubt that Marnus Labuschagne has given some decent performances in the middle order, but with the retirement of Steve Smith, a decision could be made to move up the order to Steve Smith’s position. Labuschagne has experience in anchoring the innings not only in ODIs but in Test cricket as well. The 30-year-old batter known for his elegant strokeplay and ability to play long innings could be the perfect replacement for the Aussie legend at number three.

Speaking of Labuschagne’s ODI record, he has played a total of 63 ODI matches and has scored 1869 runs at an average of 35.94 and has scored 2 centuries and 12 half-centuries. Labuschagne could also be a captaincy prospect in the future.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this news article is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and perspective. Readers are encouraged to evaluate the details thoughtfully and draw their own conclusions.

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