With Steve Smith’s retirement after a disappointing loss against India in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025, a new challenge is up ahead for Australia. Their form and consistency in 50-overs format is consistently under jeopardy. Apart from the upset Australia suffered in the tournament, their recent white-wash in the 2-match ODI series against Sri Lanka also adds to the pressure. In such a situation, Australian skipper Pat Cummins has shared his thoughts on the reasons behind Australia’s recent slip-ups in ODIs.

Pat Cummins hints at Australia’s challenges in ODI format

Australia’s regular captain Cummins remains as one of the few remaining stalwarts of the game in the Australian camp. Following retirements of Marcus Stoinis and Smith, a long list of seasoned campaigners remain uncertain of remaining associated with the Australian team for a sustained period of time.

“You’re always trying to balance different things. But, yeah, as we move closer to the 2027 World Cup, one-day cricket becomes a bit more of a focus. That’s where you start prioritising that above maybe some other tours. Any chance that you get to get games into the guys that haven’t played, that’s the best way to learn. If it means that Starcy and Joshy and I, and some experienced coaches around them, are there to help them, that’s the perfect result.” Cummins said during a discussion with cricket.com.au. 

Also Read: Steve Smith explains the reason behind Australia’s defeat against India in the semi-final of Champions Trophy 2025

A challenge for young Australian players in limited overs cricket

Additionally, the Australian skipper pointed out the reason behind the team’s lethargic display in 50-overs cricket. The world champions have excelled in Test cricket with a win in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and a series win in Sri Lanka, but so has not been the case in ODIs.

“I do think there is a certain tempo to one-day cricket that is slightly different to T20s. Probably for batters there is maybe one or two gears you’ve got to shift between a bit more than T20 cricket. I think also you do come across different conditions a bit more in ODI cricket. You will get wickets that deteriorate occasionally, a bit more than you will in T20 cricket. There are some nuances to one-day cricket. The best way to learn is by playing one-day cricket,” Cummins added.

With Smith’s retirement a big challenge in front of Cummins and the Australian team management is to maintain the right balance and composure in the team with experienced players and young prospects blossoming under their protection. The Aussies are set to play a long season of Test cricket with the WTC final against South Africa in June and a tour of the West Indies.

Also Read: ‘A true modern great of the game…’: Yuvraj Singh, Ishant Sharma lead retirement wishes for Steve Smith