Why 400 is the new 300 in ODIs

Australia ODI captain Steve Smith hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a team scoring 500 in 50-over cricket and says 400 could be the new par score in the one-day game.

Since the famous one-day international at the Wanderers in 2006 when the 400-run barrier was first smashed by Australia (and then South Africa later that same match when they successfully chased down 435), there have been 14 occasions where a team has racked up 400 or more in an innings.

Five of those instances have come this year as part of an annual escalation of ODI totals, which has seen the average first innings score jump from 237 five years ago to 272 in 2015.

The introduction of two new balls, improved bat technology and restrictions that allowed just four men outside the fielding circle have contributed to the increase in ODI scoring.

A recent law change now means five men are allowed to patrol the rope outside powerplay overs, but Smith says it may not decrease large totals if teams have wickets in hand late in the innings.

"It’s happened a little bit in recent times, scoring 400,” Smith said ahead of Australia's ODI against Ireland on Thursday.

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"The slight rule change with the five out in the last 10 will probably change that a little bit.

"You still see T20 cricket, for instance guys getting 100 off the last 10 going at 10 an over with five out.

"(With) wickets in hand it could be something similar. The scores might not change that much with the rules.

"Guys are still able to clear the fence and the big bats we’re using these days enables us to do that.

"Four-hundred might become a par-ish score."

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And as for a side making 500 in 50 overs, Smith says it could happen on the flatter wickets and smaller boundaries seen in India, but doesn't expect to see it anytime soon.

"That would be some seriously good going,” Smith said. "Maybe on some of the subcontinent pitches. Bangalore, places like that you might be able to score 500.

"That’s a long, long way away."

Smith will lead Australia for the first time as the full-time ODI captain this week when the Aussies take on the Irish in Belfast.

The 15-man one-day squad features seven fresh faces, with three uncapped players, from the group that won the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup in March.

Smith hopes the new blood will reinvigorate those members of the squad who have stayed on following the 3-2 Ashes loss.

"It’s been a tough tour for us,” he said. "Disappointing to have lost the Ashes.

"(It's a) new group now with some younger, newer guys who hopefully can bring some exuberance and energy to this group to help lift the spirits a bit and help the books get back on track to hopefully start my career in captaincy on this one-day tour on a winning note."