Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has advocated in favour of Steve Smith taking David Warner’s place as an opener in the Australian Test team in the wake of the latter’s retirement. Australia will host the West Indies in their next Test series in 11 days, and the question of who will replace Warner as the opener has been a hot topic.
While there are a number of names on the list, Labuschagne explained why Smith would be perfect for the opening role. According to Labuschagne, Smith wants to bat as soon as possible and opening the innings would take care of that problem.
Labuschagne told Sen Cricket after Australia’s SCG Test victory that he had no doubt Smith would be a good opener in the longest format of the game.
“He averages 58 at five, 61 at four and 67 at three, so it seems like the higher he goes the more he averages. I’ve got no doubt if that’s the way we went, he would do very well. He really wants it, he wants that motivation… waiting to bat is not his forte, he wants to get out there straight away,” Labuschagne said.
Labuschagne further said that while he’s willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win, he prefers to bat at number three.
“I’m happy to do what the team needs, but I do love batting at three, I love the variety of the role. At the moment it could be anyone… I’ve seen the media throwing around Travis Head, throwing around me, obviously the three openers outside of the squad, Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw and Marcus Harris. Smudge (Steve Smith) seems like the lead frontrunner, the one that really wants it,” he added.
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