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The Australian cricket team have named Steve Smith as the opener for the upcoming Test series against West Indies, addressing the void left by David Warner‘s retirement after the recently concluded Test series against Pakistan. Head of Selectors George Bailey cღonfirmed this move during a press conference on Wednesday, after the announcement of the Aussie squad.
Smith’s shift to the opening position alongside Usman Khawaja adds a new dimension to the lineup, allowing Cameron Green to take right-handed batter’s previous spot at number four. These strategic adjustments aim to optimize the team’s strengths in Warner’s absence, setting the stage for an exciting red-ball series against Caribbeans.
Reason behind Steve Smith’s selection as opener
While being questioned about whether Smith’s selection as an opener is just a mere experiment, Bailey cunningly replied that everything is just an experiment. He also underscored Smith’s desire to take the slot, a pivotal back force behind team management’s call.
“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. We don’t look too far ahead… (but) for all intents and purposes this is where Steve wants to stay,” said Bailey.
George Bailey’s praise for Smith
Bailey commended Smith’s selfless approach in expressing a willingness to venture into a new and different batting position despite enjoying considerable success in the middle order.
“It’s selfless that someone who has had so much success in one position or a couple of positions in the middle order is open and willing and hungry to have a crack at something new and something different,” the 41-year-old mentioned.
Also READ: Cricket Australia announces 13-man squa✨d for West Indies ODIs; Steve Smith to lead
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Steve Smith gettingౠ to open the batting in Tests is the most exciting reason to watch Test cricket in 2024.
— Jose Kagoo (@Gauravselvam)
Steve Smith as a opener 🥶
My man is ready to do anything for a comeback— Vatsal (@Vats_here)
The Biggest move in Test cricket.
Steve🦄 Smith will open for Austra🎐lia in Tests. [Fox Cricket]
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
A new role for Steve Smith? 👀
More 👉
— ICC (@ICC)
Steve Smith was batting at ܫ3 during THAT Ashes sꦿeries.
Warner and Bancroft both opening. He was basically playing as an opener already back then…..did pretty good
— Syzlak (@Syzlak_)
Steve Smith, started his career as number 8, bowling leg spin then b𒆙a🐻ckbone of Australian batting & now as a Test opener at the age of 34.
– What a great journey, The best Test batter in modern Era. 🫡
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
Steve Smith is the moder🦄n day Ravi Shastri!🎶 What a journey 🙌
— Cricket by JB (@cricketByJB)
Smith can bat whenever he waౠnꦡts to. Bancroft not fit to clean his boots.
— Steve Turner (@kenbewdymate)
Steve Smith is a best Test batter in Modern Era Cricket 🏏 but he’s technically not good enough to open fo🌺r Australia 🇦🇺 in Test cricket 🏏
— Zara Fatima 🌸 (@xara_fati)
Excited to watch Steve Smith as a Test opener
— Hammered Truth🇦🇺 (@hammered_truth7)
