AUS Vs WI: Steve Smith Set To Open Alongside Usman Khawaja

Ahead of the upcoming 2-match Test series between Australia and West Indies at the Land Down Under, middle-order batsman Steve Smith could find himself opening alongside Usman Khawaja as the Australian management is reportedly discussing giving it a try.

Steve Smith has constantly shouted his desire to replace David Warner in the opening slot after the Southpaw retired from Test cricket. Warner donned the Australian whites for the last time during the 3-0 whitewash of Pakistan in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy last week.

David Warner scored 57 in his final Test innings and retired from the longest (Tests & ODIs) formats of the game. He will now fight for a place in Australia’s T20 side and has also confirmed his availability for the T20 World Cup in June. Warner has also kept the door open for himself in ODIs in case Australia needs him for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

But the most heated and debated topic is who is going to replace him up the order in Tests? The names of Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Harris, and Cameron Green have been put to the front with number 4 batter Steve Smith also throwing his hat for the same.

Smith told publicly that he would enjoy opening and playing against the new ball but head coach Andrew McDonald and captain Pat Cummins did not seem much excited about this idea when it was first told to them. However, according to the latest report, Steve Smith’s efforts might have worked as the management is influenced by his ideas and willingness to help the team.

It is being said that Smith could open only if All-Rounder Cameron Green comes into the squad. Green last played a Test match in July during the Ashes and has found it difficult to get back to the side owing to Mitchell Marsh’s improved performances.

Green has mostly appeared at number 6 or 7 and he could be slotted at number 4 if Steve Smith is paired with Usman Khawaja. In that case, Mitchell Marsh could come in at number 5 while Alex Carey can take up the number 6 spot. There is no guarantee yet but voices within the Australian dressing room are hinting towards something similar.

Steve Smith Can Be A Good Option To Explore For Australian Selectors

Given the amount of experience Steve Smith has, the Australian management led by McDonald can give him a go. Smith’s average has bettered whenever he has been promoted higher in the order and the series against minnows West Indies could serve as a great platform.

The 34-year-old is 486 runs away from completing 10,000 Test runs. He has scored 9514 runs in 105 Tests with an impressive average of 58 and has 32 Hundreds and 40 Fifties to his name.