While there are a few in Australia who support the decision to make Steve Smith open the innings in Tests following David Warner’s retirement, there are a few who don’t. Former Aussie skipper Kim Hughes is on the list of latter, who feel this ploy might not work. Hughes said, that making Smith open in Tests, ‘sends out the wrong message’.
“I nearly vomited,” Hughes told WA Sport. “I’ve got no doubts in my mind that if Cameron Bancroft played for the New South Wales he’d be in the Test side. He’s in his prime”. Hughes’ obvious choice was Bancroft.
Earlier, Hughes had said, “He’s like a petulant kid. Smith is struggling at the moment. He’s been an absolute superstar, but as an opener, he is no more opener than me opening the bowling. He needs to stay at No.4, get his mojo back if you like, without all the fluff.”
“I think the other, and a very important thing is, you must reward those that are performing well, and our Sheffield Shield competition — yes it is not as strong as it used to be when he had our Test players playing in it — it is still the competition from which you can have a look and see who is playing well”.
“I just think get Bancroft in there, it also sends a message to the Shield players that if you perform, you’ll get picked. You may as well go and play marbles — it would be just shattering.”
