Australia’s batting unit is set for a shake-up following their defeat to South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s, with Marnus Labuschagne’s place under serious threat and Usman Khawaja likely to retain his spot heading into the Ashes later this year.

Head coach Andrew McDonald and the selectors are expected to decide within the next 48 hours whether reinforcements are needed for the upcoming three-Test series in the West Indies. A major talking point is the possible return of 19-year-old Sam Konstas at the top of the order, with Labuschagne’s underwhelming form adding weight to the call for change.

Labuschagne, who was elevated to open for the first time in his Test career at Lord’s, managed only 17 and 22 in the two innings, capping off a disappointing WTC cycle in which he averaged just 27.82. The move was made to accommodate Cameron Green at No. 3, but with Steven Smith nursing a finger injury, Labuschagne may still retain his place, though even that seems far from guaranteed.

"He's missed out on big scores," McDonald said after the final. “We’re confident he can return to his best, and that’s why we keep picking him. But at what point do we stop picking him?” Despite the underwhelming returns, McDonald stressed that Labuschagne remains a key part of Australia's long-term plans. "Anyone who averages 45 or 46 in Test cricket at that age is important. He’s had a positive week in terms of preparation, no harder worker than Marnus, but now it’s really just about the returns."

ALSO SEE: ENG vs IND: Robin Uthappa shares his predicted playing XI ahead of series

Selectors Show Faith in Khawaja, but Labuschagne’s Test Future Hangs in the Balance Ahead of West Indies Tour

In contrast, Khawaja, despite falling cheaply twice to Kagiso Rabada at Lord’s, has earned the selectors’ backing. The veteran opener, who scored a career-best 232 against Sri Lanka just three Tests ago, appears to have the kind of stability and experience the team values, even amid questions around his effectiveness against pace.

“He’s on contract, he’s an important player,” McDonald reiterated. “We like to look at our players at their best… I don’t see an end date for him. He’s still moving well, still training hard, and has runs left in him.” Khawaja is expected to get the same long rope David Warner received during the twilight of his Test career.

Meanwhile, the squad could also see some reshuffling depending on conditions in the Caribbean. Josh Inglis, who scored a hundred on debut, could be considered in spin-friendly situations, while Travis Head may again be viewed as a potential opener on slower surfaces. However, McDonald was quick to emphasise that Australia would look to strike a balance between future planning for the Ashes and adapting to local conditions in the West Indies.

“We haven’t played a Test there since 2015,” he said. “So there’s a little bit of the unknown. But we feel we’ve got a squad that can cover all bases.” Despite the batting concerns, McDonald made it clear that Australia’s shortcomings at Lord’s were not restricted to the top order. “We lost 5 for 20 in the first innings and 7 wickets for not many in the second. That’s 12 wickets for not much. We’re better than that.”

As Australia prepares to begin a new WTC cycle in the Caribbean, all eyes will be on how the selectors respond to the latest setback and whether this marks the beginning of a transitional phase in the batting order.

Day one of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s had everything swing, wickets, and tension as 14 wickets tumbled in a gripping day of Test cricket. Australia were bowled out for just 212, with South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada leading the charge with a brilliant five-wicket haul.

Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) steadied Australia after they were reduced to 67/4, stitching together a crucial 79-run stand. But once that partnership was broken, the Aussie lower order collapsed, losing the last five wickets for only 18 runs. Rabada, playing his first match since serving a short ban, was at his fiery best and passed the great Allan Donald to become South Africa’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test history.

South Africa, however, couldn’t capitalise with the bat. Under the evening sun, Mitchell Starc bowled a beauty to dismiss Markram for a duck, while Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder followed soon after. Captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood joined the party as South Africa crumbled to 35/4 by stumps.

Earlier in the day, Rabada removed Khawaja with a peach of a delivery before striking again in the same over to send back Green. Labuschagne and Head also fell cheaply, with Jansen and Verreynne combining to remove them. Smith looked composed and in good touch, but a risky shot off part-time spinner Markram cost him his wicket just when he looked set for a century. Webster followed not long after, edging Rabada to the slips.

Though Australia’s batting stumbled, their pace bowlers brought them right back into the contest. With South Africa four down and two new batters at the crease, day two is set up perfectly for another cracking chapter in this Test final.

ALSO READ: AUS vs WI: West Indies name Test squad for Australia tour with new captain at Helm

Fans reactions after 14 wickets fell on Day 1 of WTC Final between South Africa and Australia

- 78.4 Overs.
- 255 Runs.
- 14 Wickets.
- Australia 212/10.
- South Africa - 43/4.
- Five wickets haul by Kagiso Rabada.
- Peach of spells by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
- Solid fifties by Smith & Webster.

WTC Final is peaking on Day 1 already.#AUSvsSA #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/qiNdMYsa4o

— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) June 11, 2025

14 wickets fell on the first day, imagine if this was played on th3 subcontinent pitches pic.twitter.com/qp0LdAEFXr

— aftab (@aftabsays_) June 11, 2025

South Africa really messed it up well and surely no way they are coming back from here if they do it’s absolutely soul wrenching to watch an absolute cinema !!! #WTC2O25Final #AUSvsSA pic.twitter.com/VXABDWYwNP

— J (@butterchicken96) June 11, 2025

WTC Final | Day 1 Stumps

An excellent day of cricket.
Day 1 of the WTC Final between South Africa & Australia did not disappoint!😃🤯

Rabada and Jansen ripped through the Australian batsmen with ball in hand, as the former finished with figures of 5/51. Proteas went in to bat… pic.twitter.com/YsO7IAvgmL

— DP World Lions (@LionsCricketSA) June 11, 2025

Disaster Strikes for South Africa! 😱

Day 1 ends with the Proteas reeling at 43/4, still trailing by 169 runs in the WTC Final 2025.

The Australian pacers unleashed relentless aggression, turning the grand finale at Lord’s into a horror show for South Africa.

Sheer dominance… pic.twitter.com/EHa4lw9w1n

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 11, 2025

STUMPS - Day 1 🇿🇦🏏🇦🇺

14 wickets on the first day!

Proteas end the day reeling on 43/4 (22 overs) trailing by 169 runs.

Mitchell Starc dismissed openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickleton, solitary strikes by Josh Hazelwood and Pat Cummins. #Proteas #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/FvUfWtws0m

— Ayanda Nyuswa (@atnyuswa) June 11, 2025

𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟏: 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐌𝐏𝐒! 🏏

South Africa finishes Day 1 at 43/4, still trailing by 169 runs at Lord’s. 🇿🇦🤍

Mitchell Starc shines with two key wickets for Australia! 🇦🇺🔥#AUSvSA #WTCFinal #MitchellStarc pic.twitter.com/JEDxqZ7Nee

— Root Jaiswal (@JaiswalRoot) June 11, 2025

Lovely day of test cricket but just imagine the moaning from english and Australia journalists if 14 wickets fell on Day 1 of a WTC Final in India

— Meet (@raut_meeet) June 11, 2025

Cricket West Indies has announced a 16 player squad for their upcoming Test series against Australia, which starts later this month in Barbados. All-rounder Roston Chase has been named the new captain, and the team includes a few new names looking to make their mark in red ball cricket.

Brandon King, Kevlon Anderson, and fast bowler Johann Layne all known for their performances in white-ball matches have received their first-ever Test call ups. Shai Hope, who leads the white ball team, and opening batter John Campbell are also back in the squad. One of the biggest points is the absence of senior fast bowler Kemar Roach, who has not been picked for this series.

Head coach Daren Sammy spoke about the decision to include Brandon King, calling it an important to build a stronger Test side for the future. With Roach not in the squad, the fast-bowling responsibilities will now be handled by Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph. Chase, meanwhile, will take over as skipper for this important series.

Roston Chase has been appointed the new West Indies Test captain.

The appointment was unanimously approved by the CWI Board of Directors during its meeting held today, May 16, 2025.

Congratulations Roston - WI are rallying behind you!🌴🏏 pic.twitter.com/xfCRfc7A34

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) May 16, 2025

“I believe in this group,” Sammy said. “We want to make playing at home a big advantage again, and for that, we need our fans to support us fully. It won’t be easy, but we’re ready for the challenge.”

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Several regular names are missing from the squad this time. Players like Joshua Da Silva, Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo, Kavem Hodge, Gudakesh Motie, and Kevin Sinclair have been left out. Da Silva’s exclusion came as a surprise to many, especially after he finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the West Indies Championship. Coach Sammy explained that the team is trying something new and wants to give chances to fresh talent as they look to build for the future.

The three-match Test series will begin on June 25 at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Interestingly, the third and final Test, which starts on July 12 at Sabina Park in Jamaica, will be a day-night match played with a pink ball. That game will also mark the beginning of both teams’ new World Test Championship (WTC) journey.

West Indies Test Squad for Australia Series 2025:

Roston Chase (Captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Brandon King, Shamar Joseph, Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Mikyle Louis, Alzarri Joseph, Kevlon Anderson, Jayden Seales, Shai Hope, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Tevin Imla

WI vs AUS Test Series 2025 Schedule 

After a power-packed schedule that featured the 2025 Champions Trophy, followed by the Indian Premier League (IPL) and various other white-ball competitions, the attention now shifts to the red-ball format. The English summer has started to peak with the start of the 2023-2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final before India's tour to England for a five-match series. 

Both WTC finalists have played dominating cricket during the two-year tenure of the competition, securing the top two spots in the points table. While the Aussies are the defending champions, the Proteas have reached this stage for the first time in three years of the Championship. The Aussies are well aware of the nerve factor in such major events, having earned the reputation of a grand slam champion in cricket history. With the current cycle concluding with this grand encounter, let us explore the top three incidents of Aussie domination in the current cycle.

See Also: WTC champions should get to host the final of the following edition: Pat Cummins

3. AUS vs ENG, 2023 at Lord's

After a morale-boosting triumph in the opener of the 2023 Ashes, the Pat Cummins-led unit posted a first innings total of 416 runs on the back of Steve Smith's 110. Travis Head's 77 and David Warner's 66 were pivotal in helping the visitors get to a formidable first innings total. In reply, England's robust 91-run opening stand made way for an unfortunate middle and lower-order collapse, folding for 325 runs from being at 208/2 at one point in time. 

With a lead of 91 runs, Usman Khawaja's fantabulous 77, coupled with bits and pieces contributions from Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, and Smith, propelled them to 279 runs. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins' vicious opening spell reduced the hosts to 45/4 before Ben Stokes almost replicated his infamous heroics from the 2019 Ashes. While England kept losing wickets from one end, Stokes kept them alive with a monstrous century. The southpaw switched gears eventually but failed to get the job done for England after a Josh Hazlewood bumper rekindled Aussie hopes of a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

2. AUS vs IND, 2025 at MCG

With the series levelled 1-1 at home, Australians had to keep up with the winning momentum gained at the Adelaide Oval in the second Test. Steve Smith's 140 off 197 balls certainly helped their cause. Contributions flooded from the other top-order batters, Sam Konstas got to a quick 60, Usman Khawaja's hard-fought 57, and Labuschagne's gritty 72. The 474-run total on the board was too much to gain a lead for the Indian side in the second innings, as Nitish Kumar Reddy's terrific Boxing Day century and Yashasvi Jaiswal's 82 propelled the tourists to 369 runs. 

The surface deteriorated with time, and Jasprit Bumrah's lethal spell reduced them to 91/6 in quick time. However, the Aussie captain was all grit, playing a great hand with Labuschagne (70) and Nathan Lyon (41) to get to the 234-run mark and earn a lead of 339 runs. Batting in the fourth innings is no bed of roses, and the Indian batters felt the heat with the home pacers blowing hot. Local lad Scott Boland bagged a three-fer and so did Cummins, dousing Jaiswal's sensational 84 to fold the Men in Blue for 155 and gain an upper hand in the series with a Test to spare.

1. AUS vs ENG, 2023 at Edgbaston

The first Test of the 2023 Ashes was worth the hype heading to the battle of the urn. Batting first, England got off to a great start despite losing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in the first session. Joe Root and Zak Crawley were all elegance before an Aussie comeback in the second session was rubbished by Jonny Bairstow's run-a-ball 78 and Joe Root's unbridled 118 off 152 balls, laying the foundation for a 393/8 runs declared total. 

Without a doubt, the premature declaration from Stokes and McCullum attracted a debate. And Australian batters happened to epitomise it with stupendous batting, highlighted by Usman Khawaja's 141 and Alex Carey's 66, steering them to 386. With a lead of just seven runs, the 'BazBall' mentality continued as the Three Lions fetched 273 runs on board with none of the batters getting to the 50-run mark. 

Chasing a tricky target of 280 runs, Australia got off to a positive start, courtesy of a 61-run partnership before a collapse unfolded, as the scorecard read 143/5 in the 45th over. This is when a 49-run stand between Khawaja and Cameron Green kept the Aussies in the game. With the game hanging in the balance, Australian skipper Cummins led the side from the front with the blade in hand. His 44 off 73 balls, batting in a tricky stage with the tail, helped the OZ fall on the right side of a red-ball humdinger. 

Cricket Australia (CA) has revealed the playing XI of the men’s national team for the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord’s in London, starting on Wednesday (June 11). 

The defending champions Australia are ready to face the first-time finalists South Africa in the third ICC World Test Championship Final, where the Baggy Greens have the chance to become the first team to win the WTC title more than once, which New Zealand and Australia have won once each. 

WTC Final 2025: South Africa announce their playing 11 ahead of AUS vs SA clash

2025 ICC World Test Championship Final (AUS vs SA): Australia Playing XI

Queensland duo Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne will open for Australia in the 2025 WTC Final. Cameron Green returns to Test cricket after more than a year, as he last played a Test match in March 2024, while Australia were travelling to New Zealand. Another all-rounder Beau Webster is also in the playing XI. 

Steve Smith and Travis Head are the other key batters for Australia, along with the wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey. 

Aussie captain Pat Cummins is set to lead the fast bowling line-up along with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, while Nathan Lyon will take the spin bowling role.

Another strong Aussie fast bowler Scott Boland has unfortunately missed out on the 2025 WTC Final squad. Meanwhile, Josh Inglis and youngster Sam Konstas have also been left out of the playing XI. 

Australia XI for 2025 ICC WTC Final vs South Africa: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (Captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

🚨 WTC final update - Marnus Labuschagne will open for Australia! pic.twitter.com/9DLJoa9GNM

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 10, 2025

Australia in 2023-2025 ICC WTC

In the league stage of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, South Africa finished on top of the points table with 69.44 PCT, and Australia finished in the second position with 67.54 PCT. During the league stage, Australia didn't lose a series, while drawing the Ashes 2023 in England and winning the 2024-2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has brought the promo for the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final, where the top two table toppers, South Africa and Australia, will face each other from June 11 at Lord's in London.

In the video, Australian and South African players have been captured in the focus-looking ahead of the third ICC World Test Championship Final, while the Championship . It will be the first World Test Championship Final for South Africa, and they are facing the defending champions Australia, who are eyeing their second WTC title. 

WATCH: Angkrish Raghuvanshi refers Shreyas Iyer as 'Sarpanch Saab' in T20 Mumbai League

2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final: South Africa eyeing their first ICC trophy after more than 26 years

South Africa men's national cricket team has only one ICC trophy, which is the ICC Champions Trophy 1998 title. They are waiting for about 27 years to win another ICC title, while their closest one in this period was the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2025 runners-up. Now, the 2023-2025 ICC World Championship points table leader have the great chance to end their long and frustrating wait for their second ICC trophy. 

2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final: Australia are ready to defend

Meanwhile, Australia won the 2021-2023 ICC World Test Championship Mace after beating India in the Final. It was their first ICC WTC trophy, as they became the first team to win all four ICC trophies. 

Before Australia, New Zealand became the first team to win the ICC WTC title after winning the inaugural ICC WTC Final (2019-2021 edition) by beating India. 

Two teams. One dream 👑

South Africa and Australia are ready to carve their names in Lord’s history 🤩#Cricket #CricketReels #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/FgeID10JXv

— ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2025

During the league stage of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, South Africa earned 100 points after 12 Tests (PCT 69.44%) with eight wins, one draw, and three losses, and the second-placed Australia secured 154 points after 19 Tests (PCT 67.54%) with 13 wins, two draws, and four losses. 

Cricket Australia revealed the men's centrally contracted list for the season 2025-26. The list of 23 includes three new names: Beau Webster, Sam Konstas, and Matthew Kuhnemann.

Sam Konstas made a debut test appearance against India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which impressed cricket administrators, earning him a central contract. Opening his Test account as a teenager of 19, he did amazingly well when pitted against world-class bowlers and gave instant returns in his first effort.

Matthew Kuhnemann, the left-arm spinner, played a key part in Australia's series victory over Sri Lanka. He picked 16 wickets in two matches and was also declared Player of the Series. His consistent play has seen him included in the team as Nathan Lyon's reserve.

Beau Webster, who is an all-rounder, impressed everyone with his batting and bowling skills on his Test debut. His dual ability as a medium-fast bowler and off-spinner brings balance to the Australian team. Chief selector George Bailey had all praise for Webster's efforts, emphasizing his flexibility and promise.

The trio takes the place of Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardie, and Todd Murphy, who were excluded from contracts this year. Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Spencer Johnson, who have represented Australia in limited-overs cricket, also did not cut. T20 specialists Tim David and Marcus Stoinis are outside the contracted list but are likely to play in the shortest format.

ALSO SEE: Wicket on Debut Ball: 2 more Mumbai Indians cricketers did the same before Ashwani Kumar

Cricket Australia's centrally contracted players for 2025-26:

The list shows Cricket Australia's determination to have a solid team across all formats. With players like Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green back from injury, Australia anticipates a lively international season.

Australia after losing to India in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While the team had a good tournament, unexpected news Steve Smith announced his retirement from ODI cricket.  

Smith is known for his success and best solid defense in Test cricket, but he has also been a key player in ODIs, scoring 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28 in 170 matches. He played an important role at the top of the order, keeping the innings steady in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.  

After Smith retired, Australia had to find someone to take his place. Replacing a three-time World Cup winner won’t be easy, and whoever takes responsibility in crucial times.

Three players who could take his role in the ODIs:

3. Matthew Short

Matthew Short could be the best option to replace Steve Smith in the ODI team. Though he has been opening the batting lately, he might also be considered for the number three spot and he is Capable to do things like Steve Smith. He has the skills and technique to play a similar role to Smith, he has a great chance for him to prove himself.  

Short has played 15 ODIs for Australia, scoring 280 runs, including two half-centuries one of them against England in the Champions Trophy. Besides his batting, he can also bowl handy off-spin, adding extra options in spin to the team.  

Short has already made a big impact with the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL. With his all-around abilities, he could be a strong choice to replace Steve Smith for the number three position in ODIs.

ALSO READ: "Gautam Gambhir Faces Criticism Over 'Hollow Victory' Jibe from South African Media"

2. Cooper Connolly

Cooper Connolly is a young talent and skilled player in Australian cricket. The 21-year-old all-rounder hasn’t had the best start to his international career yet, but he has done well in domestic Cricket and BBL. He’s a strong batter and can also bowl left-arm spin.  

Cooper Connolly has played only four ODIs so far, but his performances in first-class cricket and the Big Bash League have been impressive. He had a great BBL season with the Perth Scorchers, scoring 351 runs at an average of 50.14. With his skills and potential, he could be a good option for Australia to develop for Steve Smith’s role in the ODI team.

1. Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne has been a good player in the middle order, but with Steve Smith retiring, he could move up to take the number three spot and he has that Capability to play in NO.3. He has skills and he played so many Crucial games in tough times, not just in ODIs but also in Test cricket. Marnus Labuschagne is known for his stylish shots and ability to play long innings, making him a strong option to replace Smith.  

Labuschagne played 63 matches, scoring 1,869 runs at an average of 35.94, with two centuries and 12 half-centuries in ODIs. With his batting and leadership potential, he could also be a future captain for the Australian team.

Let’s go to the past and see one of Steve Smith’s smartest moments on the cricket field. His quick thinking not only earned Australia a no-ball but also showed why he’s one of the sharpest minds in Cricket history.

Steve Smith’s Smart Move: He Knew It Was a No-Ball Before the Ball Was Bowled

During the third ODI between Australia and New Zealand, Smith, who was in good form and playing an incredible knock after 22 months, noticed something unusual in the field setting. New Zealand’s captain, Kane Williamson, had placed five fielders outside the 30-yard circle instead of the allowed four. While most players might have missed it, Smith caught the mistake instantly.

Throwback to the time when Smith knew it's a no ball even before the ball was bowled.
Genius . Happy retirement legend. pic.twitter.com/Njxsw4PPbj

— 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 🦘🇦🇺 (@AdvocateMessi) March 5, 2025

On the second ball of the 37th over, Smith smashed a six, but even before celebrating, he pointed out the fielding error to the umpire after hitting a six in that ball. As per the rules, the delivery was called a no-ball, and Australia got a free hit. This moment once again proved how well Smith understands the game and how quickly he reacts under pressure.

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Smith scored a brilliant 105 off 131 balls, hitting 11 boundaries and one six. His knock helped Australia to score 267 runs. In reply, New Zealand could only manage 242, and Australia won by 25 runs, sealing a 3-0 series sweep the series. This moment sums up Smith’s cricketing brilliance. His retirement marks the end of a great career, but memories like these will keep his legacy alive in the Cricket.

Australian cricket veteran Steve Smith has made his One Day International (ODI) retirement official after Australia's semi-final loss to India in the Champions Trophy 2025. The 35-year-old veteran batter, who scored a gritty 73 as the top scorer for his side, told his teammates straight after the match that it was his last ODI outing.

But Smith has asserted that he will play Test and T20I cricket, with emphasis on future big red-ball series, such as the World Test Championship Final, West Indies tour, and Ashes series against England in Australia.

An Emotional Farewell

Looking back at his career, Smith has credited being part of an exemplary ODI career lasting almost 15 years. It has been a wonderful ride, and I have enjoyed every moment of it. There have been so many great times and great memories. Winning two World Cups was a wonderful highlight, as well as the many great teammates who were part of the journey," Smith stated.

He added that with the 2027 ODI World Cup looming, it was the appropriate time for Australia to begin planning for the future.

Now is an excellent time for individuals to begin preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it is the perfect time to step aside."

🚨BREAKING🚨: Australian stalwart Steve Smith has announced his retirement from ODI cricket#SteveSmith #CricketAustralia pic.twitter.com/eTYWGLGnFu

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 5, 2025

Steve Smith's Magnificent ODI Career

Smith departs ODIs with a fantastic record:

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• 5800 runs in 170 games
• 12 centuries and 32 half-centuries
• Two-time ICC Cricket World Cup champion (2015, 2023)
• Captained Australia in 64 ODIs, winning 32

Smith was instrumental in Australia's 2015 World Cup win under Michael Clarke and also a member of the team that won the trophy once again in 2023 under Pat Cummins.

His stint in leadership included many highlights such as series wins against England and India in 2016, a Chappell-Hadlee Trophy victory, and a tri-series victory over South Africa and West Indies. His most recent effort was guiding Australia to a 3-0 ODI clean sweep against West Indies in 2023-24.

Tribute from Cricket Australia

After his statement, Cricket Australia's Selectors Chairman, George Bailey, noted Smith's input into Australian cricket.

"We wholeheartedly agree and endorse Steve's retirement from One Day International cricket. His batting record over 167 matches is second to none, and to depart the format as a two-time World Cup champion is testament to his place among the great Australian ODI players."

Bailey also reaffirmed that Smith is entirely committed to Test cricket, where he remains an integral leader and precious asset.

The Journey of a Leg-Spinner to a Great Batsman

The career of Smith on the international scene started in 2010, when he played as a leg-spinning all-rounder against the West Indies. Over time, he developed into one of the great batters of his time with his unorthodox batting and capability to command in all weather.

Apart from his batting exploits, Smith also made contributions with the ball, picking up 28 wickets at a mean of 34.67. His performance in ODIs saw him receive several awards, including:

• Australian Men's ODI Player of the Year (2015, 2021)
• ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year (2015)

What's Next for Smith?
Even though his ODI career is over, Smith's attention now turns to red-ball cricket, where he is still an integral part of the Australian Test team. With the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies tour, and the Ashes series on the horizon, fans can still look forward to witnessing the Australian maestro at his best.

As Australia sets its sights on a new era of ODIs, Steve Smith's legacy as a two-time World Cup champion, a fearless captain, and one of the greatest batters of his era will always be remembered in cricketing history.