AUS vs PAK: "Certainly Interested" - Steve Smith Keen To Replace David Warner As Australia’s Test Opener
Published - 05 Jan 2024, 06:23 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:24 AM
Star Australian batter Steve Smith has conveyed his readiness to assume the role of Test opener, potentially replacing David Warner. Steve Smith expressed his openness to the idea, emphasizing his eagerness to contribute effectively at the top of the order.
Australia are currently in search of a replacement for David Warner, who will retire after the ongoing third Test against Pakistan in Sydney. The selectors are considering various names, including Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw, and Cameron Green.
I Am Certainly Interested – Steve Smith
Steve Smith expressed openness to taking up David Warner’s position, noting that discussions among selectors and team management are likely after the ongoing game.
“I’m actually happy to go up the top. I am pretty keen if that is what they want to do. I’m sure the selectors and ‘Ron’ (coach Andrew McDonad) and Patty (captain Pat Cummins) will have a chat after this game, but I am certainly interested. For sure,” Smith told ABC Sport after Stumps on Day 3 in Sydney.
The 34-year-old was dismissed for 38 in the first innings against Pakistan in the third Test. The right-handed batter scored 190 runs in five innings in the ongoing series against Pakistan. He crossed the 25-run mark on all five occasions but reached fifty only once.
Steve Smith Has Got The Technique – Shane Watson
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson endorsed the idea of Steve Smith opening, highlighting his impactful performances at No. 3. Watson expressed Smith might shut down earlier than necessary.
“When he was at No. 3 … he was scoring runs for fun, but when he comes in at No. 4, often the work’s been done, and finding motivation is more challenging for him. 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,” Watson added.
Smith has never opened the batting in his Test career. He batted the majority of his career at No. 4, scoring 5930 runs at an average of 61.77, including 19 centuries and 26 fifties. He scored 1744 runs at No. 3, at an average of 67.08, including 8 hundreds and 5 fifties.
Smith secured the second-highest number of Test runs in 2023, despite experiencing a noticeable decline in form. The batter scored 929 runs in 13 matches at an average of 42.22, featuring three centuries. He scored a century during the WTC final against India.
