Veteran Steve Smith has expressed his desire to take the openers role in the Test format. David Warner who is playing his last Test match will be leaving the opening slot in the Aussie Test side. The likes of Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw are being considered as frontrunners for the role. However, Steve Smith putting his name forward for the same role has made things interesting.
“I’m actually happy to go up the top,” Smith said. “I’m pretty keen if that’s what they want to do. I’m sure the selectors and Ron [Andrew McDonald] and Patty [Cummins] will have a chat after this game but yeah, I’m certainly interested for sure,” Smith told to ABC Grandstand.
While Smith has opened the batting for Australia in T20Is, his highest position in the order has been No.3 in both Tests and ODIs. Incidentally, the star batter has an average of more than 67 when he has come in at No.3 in the longest format of the game.
Earlier, former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson backed Steve Smith to open the innings. Watson said that opening the batting could be the challenge Smith needs at this point in his career. Watson feels that the Aussie star batter may chose to wind down his career quickly if he isn’t given a challenge.
“Steve Smith opening the batting, he has got the technique, is the challenge he needs. My concern is that if Steve Smith isn’t given a challenge, he might shut things down earlier than he needs,” said Watson.
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