3 Strong Players Who Can Replace Steve Smith in ODIs for Australia

With Steve Smith retiring from ODIs, Australia faces the challenge of filling the void left by one of their most consistent middle-order batters. Smith was known for his ability to anchor innings, handle pressure, and accelerate when needed. As Australia transitions towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, they will need a reliable replacement in the No.3 or No.4 position.

Here are three players who could replace Steve Smith in Australia’s ODI squad:

1. Cameron Green – The All-Rounder with Huge Potential

🔹 Age: 24
🔹 ODI Matches: 30+
🔹 Batting Average: 35+
🔹 Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium

Why He Can Replace Smith:

• Green has already shown his versatility in international cricket, playing match-winning knocks in both ODIs and Tests.
• As a technically sound batter, he can anchor the innings like Smith while also accelerating when required.
• His ability to bowl medium pace gives Australia an extra bowling option, making him a perfect No.4 or No.5 batter.

💡 Best ODI Performance: 89* vs New Zealand (2022) – A clutch knock under pressure.

2. Josh Inglis – The Explosive Middle-Order Option

🔹 Age: 28
🔹 ODI Matches: 20+
🔹 Batting Strike Rate: 100+
🔹 Wicketkeeper-Batsman

Why He Can Replace Smith:

• Inglis is an aggressive middle-order batter who can play spin well, making him valuable in subcontinent conditions.
• While he is primarily a wicketkeeper, he can also be used as a specialist batter in ODIs.
• Australia may look at him as a more attacking alternative to Smith’s steady approach.

💡 Best ODI Performance: 110 vs South Africa (2023) – Showed his ability to dominate top-quality bowling.

3. Aaron Hardie – The Future No.3?

🔹 Age: 25
🔹 ODI Matches: Few (Mostly domestic experience)
🔹 Batting Style: Right-handed
🔹 Bowling: Medium pace

Why He Can Replace Smith:

• Hardie has been dominating Australia’s domestic circuit, showing promise as a future No.3 batter.
• He has a balanced batting approach, capable of both anchoring and accelerating the innings.
• His ability to bowl medium pace makes him an all-round option, similar to Cameron Green.

💡 Why He’s a Strong Contender? His performances in domestic one-day matches have drawn comparisons to a young Steve Smith.

Who Will Be Australia’s Long-Term Replacement for Smith?

• For an experienced option: 🇦🇺 Cameron Green
• For an attacking middle-order hitter: 🇦🇺 Josh Inglis
• For a promising young talent: 🇦🇺 Aaron Hardie

Australia’s selectors will likely rotate players in upcoming ODI series before finalizing a long-term No.3 batter for the 2027 World Cup.