Steve Smith is all but guaranteed to retain his spot as Test opener for the upcoming India vs Australia five-match Test series this summer. This comes despite his inconsistent performances in the recent matches against West Indies and New Zealand.
Selectors back Steve Smith
The selectors believe that Steve Smith’s four-Test stint as an opener wasn’t a large enough sample size to judge his effectiveness. They’re willing to give him a shot against India, a much tougher opponent. This decision means the battle for the opening spot in the future will be between other players.
Remaining spot in IND vs AUS Test series
With Steve Smith and current partner Usman Khawaja nearing the twilight of their careers, a spot will eventually open for a new opener. Players like Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, and Nathan McSweeney are all vying for this position. Their performances in domestic cricket and Australia A matches will be crucial in determining who gets the call-up.
Selectors Emphasize Competition
The selection panel chair, George Bailey, highlighted the need for strong competition for places in the Test squad. While the current top order has performed well overall, other players need to prove themselves worthy of displacing them. The upcoming Sheffield Shield and Australia A matches will provide them with a platform to do just that.
Contracts Reflect Focus on T20 World Cup
The selection of players for the upcoming season’s contracts reflects the importance of the T20 World Cup. Players like Matt Short and Nathan Ellis, who impressed in the shorter format, were awarded contracts, while some Test hopefuls missed out. However, Bailey assured that opportunities remain for these players to impress at the start of the summer.
Looking Ahead to India vs Australia Test Series
The India series will be a significant test for the Australian batting line-up. While Steve Smith is likely to open alongside Khawaja, the battle for the remaining spots and the future of the opening position promises to be an exciting one to watch. The upcoming domestic season will play a key role in shaping Australia’s Test batting order for years to come.
India vs Australia Test schedule:
First Test: November 22-26, Perth
Second Test: December 6-10, Adelaide (d/n)
Third Test: December 14-18, Brisbane
Fourth Test: December 26-30, Melbourne
Fifth Test: January 3-7, Sydney
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