AUS vs WI: Australia Promote Steve Smith As Test Opener In Shocking Move

Cricket Australia has promoted Steve Smith as the Test opener for the team in a shocking move. Australia Chief Selector George Bailey confirmed to the press on Wednesday, January 10 that Steve Smith will take the opening slot with Usman Khawaja for Australia in Tests.

David Warner bid goodbye to the longest format after the previous Test series against Pakistan. The left-handed batsman played his last Test match in Sydney after handling the opening slot for the Aussies for a long time.

After his ouster, three younger players were highly expected to take the opener’s role. Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw, and Cameron Bancroft were on the leaderboards to replace Warner. The trio have been consistent performers in Australia’s domestic First-Class tournament Sheffield Shield for the last few seasons.

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Steve Smith To Take David Warner’s Opener Spot

Steve Smith usually takes the No. 3 spot in the Australian Test team. In ODIs and T20Is too, Smith settles in the no.3 or no.4 and refrains from opening. However, now the batting legend will don a new role for Australia.

There were rumors of Steve Smith being promoted as opener in Tests. However, many experts and former players did believe in the strategy. They feel grooming a young batsman will be a better decision for the team’s future.

Steve Smith is 34 years old and has played 105 Tests for Australia. In 187 innings, the right-handed batsman has piled up 9500-plus runs averaging 58.01. With 32 tons, 4 doubles tons, and 40 fifties, Smith is among the batting legends when it comes to Tests. In the recent Test series against Pakistan, Smith slammed 194 runs in 66 innings averaging 41.40.

Also Read: AUS vs WI: ‘Second-Greatest’ Steve Smith Shouldn’t Open For Australia In Tests, Feels Usman Khawaja

Australia To Face West Indies In Test Series

Australia’s next campaign is a two-match Test series at home against West Indies. The AUS vs WI 1st Test begins on January 17 at Adelaide Oval. The 2nd game will be played at The Gabba from January 25 onwards.

The West Indies tour of Australia 2024 will also observe an ODI and T20I series. A total of 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is will take place between both sides later. West Indies and Australia have also announced their squads for the Test series.

Also Read: AUS vs WI: David Warner Reveals His Autobiography Will Have Details About Ball-Tampering Scandal

Matt Renshaw Part of Test Squad Vs West Indies

Kraigg Braithwaite will lead the Caribbean side during the Test series. Pat Cummins is the skipper of Australia. Interestingly, Matt Renshaw is also part of the Australia Test squad. However, with Steve Smith grabbing the opening slot, Renshaw is highly unlikely to get an opportunity across two games.

Australia has fielded almost a similar squad as the previous Test series against Pakistan. The batting department comprises all key members like Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Smith Smith, and Mitchell Marsh. Among bowlers, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon will lead the attack.