Former Australia Test skipper Steve Smith has been confirmed as the side’s new opener in the red-ball format, replacing David Warner. Smith will begin his journey as an opener in Tests with the three-match WI vs AUS Test series that will commence from January 17.
Steve Smith wins race for Australia’s new Test opener
Confirming Smith’s new role, Australia chief selector George Bailey said that it marked the start of a significant chapter in Smudge’s life, adding that he was keen for it. Bailey added that the former skipper might play the opener’s role until his retirement, noting that it was not a ‘one-match’ thing.
“Tongue in cheek I could say everything’s an experiment. That’s been part of the discussions with Steve, I believe he’s keen for this to be a significant chapter of his career,” Bailey said as per Fox Sports.
“We don’t look too far ahead… (but) for all intents and purposes this is where Steve wants to stay.”
“He may do. It’s not something he’s doing on a whim or he wants to do for one match and see how he goes.”
“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 had told to ABC Grandstand earlier, prior to the formal announcement.
WI vs AUS: Australia unveil squad for Tests
Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Matt Renshaw.
