AUS vs WI: "Don't Be Surprised If Steve Smith Breaks Brian Lara's 400 Record" - Michael Clarke

Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke expressed confidence in Steve Smith‘s potential to succeed as an opener for Australia in Test cricket. Michael Clarke emphasized that Steve Smith could become the top test opener within a year if given the opportunity.

Following David Warner’s retirement, Cricket Australia is considering Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw, and Marcus Harris as potential successors for the opener’s role. The team management is also exploring various options, including all-rounder Cameron Green.

Australia’s selectors are expected to convene soon to finalize the squad for the upcoming first Test against the West Indies. The Pat Cummins-led team is set to compete in a two-match series, with the first Test scheduled to take place in Adelaide starting on January 17.

Steve Smith Will Be The No. 1 Opener Within 12 Months – Michael Clarke

Speaking on ESPN’s “Around the Wicket” Podcast, Michael Clarke mentioned that Steve Smith could attain significant milestones as an opener, stating that he could surpass Brian Lara’s record for the highest individual score in the format.

“If he wants to open the batting and they give him the chance, he will be the number one test opener within 12 months. He is that good a player. Technically, he’s good enough. He lets the ball go well, he’s got great eyes and beautiful hands. Yes, he might nick the occasional one, or he might get LBW. Tell me someone who doesn’t,” Clarke said.

“It might be that challenge he’s looking for. He doesn’t want to wait. He doesn’t want Warner or Khawaja to make 100 or Marnus to make a double hundred. He wants to make a double hundred. So if he opens batting, he will be the best opener within 12 months. Don’t be surprised if he breaks Brian Lara’s 400 record because he’s that good, and now he’s got the whole day,” Clarke added.

“He will be the number one Test opener in 12months!”

“Don’t be surprised if he breaks Brian Lara’s 400 record because he’s that good!”@MClarke23 with some big predictions if @stevesmith49 replaces Warner as opener.#AroundTheWicket @ESPNAusNZ @ESPNcricinfo pic.twitter.com/ra8r1OCm8t

— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_Meadows) January 8, 2024

For over two decades, Brian Lara’s unbeaten 400 has remained unbroken. The former West Indies skipper achieved this feat by surpassing Matthew Hayden’s record during the fourth Test against England at St. John’s, reclaiming the top spot for the second time.

I’m Actually Happy To Go Up The Top – Steve Smith

In a conversation with ABC Radio after the third day of the Sydney Test against Pakistan, Steve Smith expressed his willingness to open for Australia, stating that he would discuss the possibility with the selectors, head coach, and skipper Pat Cummins.

“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.

Steve Smith has never opened the innings throughout his Test career. However, this adjustment creates the opportunity for Australia to include both Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green in the XI. Cameron Green bats at No. 4 for Western Australia in domestic cricket.

Also read: AUS vs PAK: ‘Steve Smith Seems Like Lead Front-runner…’ – Marnus Labuschagne On David Warner’s Replacement