Howdy, fellas. This is your favourite cricket pundit: The thinking cricketer who is sad today because Steve Smith has announced his retirement from the ODIs.

The Year is 2040

You're at the pub with your friends, pint in hand, blowing off steam about work, kids, marriage, and the current government. The usual. In the middle of a heated debate about the price of coffee robots, one of your mates suddenly starts bashing modern-day batters.

"Batters in our time were way better," he declares.

And just like that, the conversation takes a sharp turn.

The Debate Begins

Inevitably, the discussion spirals into a full-blown debate about the Fab Four—ODIs only, for the sake of argument.

"Virat Kohli is the best there ever was and ever will be!"
"No way, Kane Williamson was just as good!"
"You're both wrong—Joe Root was better!"
"Steve Smith? He was, at best, average."

Whoa. Blasphemy.

Your mate loses his mind. He starts rattling off Steve Smith’s ODI accolades—Match-winning hundred in the 2015 World Cup semi-final. Unbeaten fifty in the final. Two World Cup titles. Clutch when it mattered most.

The two-beer rule is out the window. A third one is already on the table. This discussion is too important.

Steve Smith’s Legacy

No, Steve Smith wasn’t the best ODI batter. He won’t make most all-time ODI XIs.

But his legacy? He perfected his role for the team.

Australia has always prioritized team success over personal milestones, and Smith embodied that philosophy. His unorthodox style allowed him to thrive in situations where others struggled. His ODI numbers may not match the rest of the Fab Four, but his contributions were invaluable nonetheless.

The Fab Four—no matter their form—are still the most prized wickets in any format. In this Champions Trophy, each one of them has reminded the younger generation how it's done, whether by setting a target or anchoring a run chase. When they're at the crease, their team radiates calm. The opposition? Always on edge, knowing the Fab Four can turn the game around in an instant.

Smith’s retirement is the beginning of the end. A generational era is fading, but the Fab Four will remain etched in our memories. So, cherish every moment. We never know when it'll be their last.

Happy retirement, Smudge.

Tweet of the day

This tweet sums up the mutual respect and admiration between two greats who have had verbal brawls in the past.

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Cheers