Steve Smith to be demoted after failure as Test opener? Mark Taylor delivers a striking verdict
Published - 12 Mar 2024, 05:26 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:27 AM
Former Australian captain Mark Taylor has backed Steve Smith to continue as an opener in Test cricket, despite his recent batting form. Mark Taylor emphasized that demoting Steve Smith in the batting lineup might not enhance the Australian team’s performance.
Steve Smith assumed the opener’s role after veteran cricketer David Warner’s retirement from red-ball cricket. Despite batting at the top of the order against the West Indies and New Zealand, the 34-year-old batter failed to make an impact in his new role in Test cricket.
The batter has scored 171 runs in eight innings, averaging 28.50. However, he only managed to surpass 12 runs twice in the four Test matches. Despite this, the Pat Cummins-led side secured victory in three out of the four Tests, including a 2-0 win in New Zealand.
Stick With Steve Smith To Open – Mark Taylor
During his conversation with World Wide of Sports, Mark Taylor emphasized the importance of Australia sticking with Steve Smith as the opener. He attributed Smith’s recent struggles to the challenging pitch conditions encountered in the Test matches.
“The two Test matches were played on pitches that were certainly bowler-friendly and I think that point needs to be made. It’s going to be very difficult for Australia to change now, to be totally honest … I think the die is cast. I think they are going to have to stick that way, because if they want to bring in an opener now, someone is going to have to miss out,” said Taylor.
“You make a change in a team if you think you can make the team better, that’s the bottom line. The side is finding ways to win. There will be no rush by Australians selectors to make a change to our batting order. I think Australia will stick with what they’re doing and stick with Steve Smith to open the batting next summer,” he added.
Steve Smith scored 51 runs across four innings at a disappointing average of 12.75, with his best score being 31. Overall, he has amassed 9685 runs in 109 Tests at an impressive average of 56.97, including 32 centuries and 41 half-centuries in his Test career.
He’s Been Challenged In These Conditions – Andrew McDonald
Australian head coach Andrew McDonald expressed confidence in Steve Smith’s ability to bounce back from his recent struggles as an opener. McDonald defended Smith against criticism, stating that it was unfair and underserved.
“No doubt everyone is still asking the question … he is a great player and his ability to problem solve is one of his great strengths. I think it’s unfair, and that will probably mean I’m going into defensive mode around my player. I don’t think it’s deserved. He’ll be able to work through that. He’s been challenged in these conditions. He’s up for the challenge, and I think any time that Steve Smith fails he sees it as a greater challenge,” McDonald said.
The ace batter also encountered a dip in form in Test cricket last year. He scored 929 runs in 24 innings at an average of 42.23. However, he showcased his resilience by scoring a remarkable 121 runs in the first innings of last year’s WTC final clash against India.
Australia’s upcoming Test series against India is set to commence in late November as part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign. The Australian team faced defeats in their previous two Test series against India on home soil.
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