AUS vs WI: "Don't Really Like..." - Steve Smith Reveals Why He Wanted To Become Test Opener

Steve Smith, who has been announced as Australia’s new red-ball opener, has stated that he gladly took up the job for Australia after veteran opener David Warner’s retirement because he doesn’t like waiting for his chance to bat. Steve Smith said that he made his keenness to open in Test cricket clear to the selectors when he got to know they wanted all-rounder Cameron Green to play a role in the Australian team as well.

Steve Smith has never opened in Test cricket but boasts a brilliant average of 67.08 at No. 3, which has been his best for any position he has batted in. Cameron Green hasn’t opened the innings in the format either and would now happily take Steve Smith’s old No.4 slot. Steve Smith is someone who can take up any role and never disappoints. He has opened in T20Is when he was asked to do so and now he takes up the job in Test cricket.

“There’s been conversations happening for a little while, obviously, knowing that Davey (Warner) was going to finish up after Sydney,” Smith said on Fox. “I know they were keen to get Cameron Green back into the fold as well. And yeah, for me, it was just a conversation saying, look, I’m keen to go at the top.

“If you’re thinking about Greeny up the top, he hasn’t done it much or he hasn’t done it at all. He bats No.4 in Shield cricket. And, you know, since I guess Marnus has been playing at No.3, I’ve been waiting to bat for quite a long period of time and I don’t really like waiting to bat. So I thought why don’t I put my hand up and have a crack-up top that way you can get Cameron Green in and you’re playing your six best batters so yeah, hopefully, it works out. I am [excited],” he added.

Steve Smith Is One Of The Modern Day Greats In Test Cricket

Steve Smith also said that he likes facing the new ball. He cited the example of the Ashes series in 2019 where he mostly came out to bat inside the first 10 overs. Steve Smith is Australia’s current best in Test cricket. He has always performed in big matches be it the Ashes or the World Test Championship Final. Steve Smith is the fourth-highest run scorer for Australia in Test cricket amassing 9514 runs in 187 innings at an average of 58.01.

Steve Smith will be great as an opener and even the ex-opener David Warner has shown faith in Steve Smith’s ability. David Warner said, “It’s just another challenge for Smudge. I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes, but I know he’s going to do very well. He’ll adapt to any situation. You know he’s a world-class player.

“He’s the best. I probably think he’s bored at No.4 and he wants to have a hit and not wait. So I’m looking forward to seeing it. I wish him all the very best and I’m not going to miss those last few minutes of the day’s play.”

Steve Smith will be opening the batting for Australia in Test cricket for the first time during the two-match Test series against West Indies which is scheduled for January 17. Australia is currently at the top of the WTC Table and they would like to continue their good run in Test cricket and will be aiming to defend their WTC title.