Steve Smith the Test Batter has got his respect. Average 56 with centuries all around the legend of the Test batter in him is evident. As a Cricketer though his career has taken some wonderous turns. Starting off as a leggie who could bat at number eight, touted to be the next Shane Warne, Steve Smith was seen as a primary T20 cricketer for his bits and pieces ability. Ironically, T20is turns out to be the first format he was dropped out of. A forgotten format though in between for the World and for the greatness of Steven Smith is the ODI Format.

His ODI career has been nothing short of marvelous. He came in after the golden group of Australian Cricket with the likes of Ponting, Hayden, Brett Lee and Adam Gilchrist were on the wane. He played the 2011 World Cup as a lower-order all-rounder. His initial stages were full of criticism. His technique did not seem like one that would survive against quality bowling but then there was Steve Smith who finally got his chance at number three in 2014, and a chance to make the spot his own. The batter in him was in his own zone in the format. Quickly making a mark with his ability to pick gaps like few could and go through gears, Steve Smith was among the more aggressive of his fab four partners. 

His story came to life in the summer of 2014. If Mitchell Johnson terrorized the Englishmen in 2013. Steve Smith did the same during the summer of 2014-2015 against India. He was incredible in the Test and it was he who ended India's dream run of wins in the 2015 World Cup with a classy and demoralizing century in 2015. It was India vs Steve Smith that summer and the Semi-Final knock capped it off well. Before the Semi-Final he had another nice run against Pakistan, looking at ease against Wahab Riaz who had Shane Watson in all sorts of discomfort.

His captaincy career though in ODIs went with some challenges. Taking the reins after 2015, he was unfortunate in the Champions Trophy in 2017 with rain ruining two of their games and ending their tournament early. He didn't get to lead in a World Cup but found form in the format beautifully with twin centuries off 60 balls against India highlighting his ability to dominate in the format. He scored runs against the likes of Bumrah effortlessly, extending his test match brilliance into the ODI format. A trait that continuously goes unnoticed though is his ability to accelerate and change gears. He has two 60-ball centuries against India and was the aggressor in the partnership with Aaron Finch in the 2015 World Cup Semi-Final. 

As a captain, he finally got his chance to shine in the ongoing Champions Trophy. Smith though was unfortunate again with the big three missing leaving him with a very inexperienced pace attack and middle-order. Without the bowling might in his team, Smith managed to take the game till the 49th over defending only 260 odd. His captaincy was great but his batting was where the final nail may have been done in the coffin. Cruising, Steve Smith missed a full-toss to get bowled in a moment similar to the drop catch that led to Adam Gilchrist announcing his subsequent retirement. He is not done yet though. Steve Smith could see this as a chance to extend his Test career or he may well end it with the upcoming Ashes as well, but with limited time left Steve Smith's technique is left to be enjoyed. 

He leaves a hole in the ODI side but that is likely to be incomparable with the one he will leave when he calls it a day in Test Cricket. Ever reliable, Steve Smith leaves Australia with a tough task as they build for 2027.