Steve Smith to be discarded as Australia's opener? Head Coach Andrew McDonald sends chills with the latest update
Published - 12 Mar 2024, 12:38 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:27 AM
Australian coach Andrew McDonald has voiced support for Steve Smith despite his recent struggles as an opener in Test cricket. Andrew McDonald labeled criticism of Steve Smith’s batting performance as “harsh” and “unfair”, highlighting the small sample size.
Steve Smith replaced David Warner, who retired from Test cricket after the Pakistan series, as the opener. He opened the innings during the two-match Test series against the West Indies and continued in the same position during the subsequent series in New Zealand.
Smith has scored 171 runs at an average of 28.50 in eight innings, with his highest score being 91. However, his inconsistent performances, including only twice surpassing 12 runs, have raised doubts among experts about the move to shift him to the top of the order.
Don’t Think It’s Deserved – Andrew McDonald
Following Australia’s narrow three-wicket win over the Black Caps in Christchurch, Andrew McDonald expressed confidence that Steve Smith would excel as an opener in the upcoming Test series.
“I don’t think it’s deserved. He’ll be able to work through that. It’s a new challenge for him, it’s a new position,” McDonald said.
“If you’re bringing in a new opener and you gave them four Test matches, and then said, ‘Okay, we’re going to shift that after four Test matches,’ would you think that’s fair or unfair? I think that’s reasonably unfair … for Test matches, this is still a rather small sample size,” he added.
During the recent Test tour of New Zealand, the 34-year-old scored 51 runs at an average of 12.75. However, the ace batter boasts impressive statistics at No. 3 and No. 4, with averages of 67.08 and 61.51, respectively, across a significant number of Test matches.
Steve Smith Is A Great Player – Andrew McDonald
Smith’s shift to opener allowed all-rounder Cameron Green to be included in the playing XI. This strategic move paid dividends as Green smashed an unbeaten 174 runs against the Black Caps during the first Test. Green was named ‘Player of the Match’ in the series opener.
Andrew McDonald expressed confidence that Steve Smith would receive another opportunity to display his skills in the forthcoming season. While acknowledging ongoing speculation about Smith’s role, McDonald emphasized his readiness to face challenges.
“No doubt everyone is still asking the question about Steve Smith. He is a great player, and his ability to problem-solve is one of his great strengths. He’s been challenged in these conditions,” McDonald continued.
“The surfaces have been new-ball wickets and no doubt there will be a debate as to what his best position is. But he’s up for the challenge, and I think any time that Steve Smith fails he sees it as a greater challenge.”
Australia’s next Test match is slated for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign against India on home soil, commencing in late November. It’s noteworthy that the Australian team suffered defeats in their last two Test home series against India.
