Steve Smith goes bigmouth despite not being able to finish vs West Indies and Australia suffering an embarrassing defeat at the Gabba

The Australians might have squandered the opportunity to register back-to-back Test series wins by losing the 2nd Test against West Indies 4 days ago but the biggest positive that came for Australia in that match was Steve Smith’s brave knock of 91* against a lethal pace battery at the iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane.

Following the retirement of opening batter David Warner from the longest format, Steve Smith was very vocal about facing the new ball and kicking off the innings with Usman Khawaja. Initially, Smith’s request was denied by captain Pat Cummins and head coach Andrew McDonald before taking a U-turn and giving him the green light to go ahead.

The management’s decision might have broken the hearts of Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, and Matt Renshaw, all of whom that were in the race to become the Baggy Green’s long-term red-ball opener. While Steve Smith moved up top, all-rounder Cameron Green slotted in at his position of number 4.

These changes were executed and implemented from the 1st Test onwards against West Indies in Adelaide. Many former cricketers claimed that Smith’s new role might weaken the Aussie middle order and disrupt the team balance. While the middle-order stood up for the occasion, it was Smith’s performance in his first two innings as an opener that became the talk of the town.

Steve Smith had scores of 12 and 11* across innings as the hosts clinched victory in the 1st Test by 10 wickets. In the 2nd Test after getting out for just 6 in the 1st innings, Smith scored 91* runs and held on to one end while wickets kept falling from the other in their chase of 216 runs.

Shamar Joseph’s ruthlessness despite enduring a toe crusher from Mitchell Starc had no impact at all against Smith who was looking very confident with his gameplay for the first time as opener. He played exquisite drives and watched the entire batting order fall off from the non-striking end.

Following the loss and his statement knock, Steve Smith has given a fitting response to his critics. “I didn’t really read too much into it. It was just another position. I’ve batted against a new ball numerous times, coming in early, so, for me, it’s just a position I’m just playing and that’s it. I think I’m averaging 60 as an opener now”. – Smith said.

I’ll Bat Wherever The Team Needs Me To says Steve Smith Speaks About His Openness To Help His Side

Steve Smith went on to claim that he is open to helping his national side in every way possible even if it requires him to go down the order again. The 34-year-old also stated that he has enjoyed the first few weeks as an opener and he’ll continue to enjoy as long as the management trusts him.

“I’ll bat really wherever the team needs me to. I’m comfortable up top, I’ve enjoyed the first couple of weeks of it. I don’t know if they see fit to move me back down or what, I’ll do whatever the team needs, but for now, I’m enjoying it up top.” – Steve Smith concluded.