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The Australian cricket team have named Steve Smith as the opener for the upcoming Test series against West Indies, addressing the void left by David Warner‘s retirement after the recently concluded Test series against Pakistan. Head of Selectors George Bailey confirmed this move during a press conference on Wednesday, after the announcement of the Aussie squad.
Smith’s shift to the opening position alongside Usman Khawaja adds a new dimension to the lineup, allowing Cameron Green to take right-handed batter’s previous spot at number four. These strategic adjustments aim to optimize the team’s strengths in Warner’s absence, setting the stage for an exciting red-ball series against Caribbeans.
Reason behind Steve Smith’s selection as opener
While being questioned about whether Smith’s selection as an opener is just a mere experiment, Bailey cunningly replied that everything is just an experiment. He also underscored Smith’s desire to take the slot, a pivotal back force behind team management’s call.
“Tongue in cheek I could say everything’s an experiment. That’s been part of the discussions with Steve, I believe he’s keen for this to be a significant chapter of his career. We don’t look too far ahead… (but) for all intents and purposes this is where Steve wants to stay,” said Bailey.
George Bailey’s praise for Smith
Bailey commended Smith’s selfless approach in expressing a willingness to venture into a new and different batting position despite enjoying considerable success in the middle order.
“It’s selfless that someone who has had so much success in one position or a couple of positions in the middle order is open and willing and hungry to have a crack at something new and something different,” the 41-year-old mentioned.
Also READ: Cricket Australia announces 13-man squad for West Indies ODIs; Steve Smith to lead
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Steve Smith getting to open the batting in Tests is the most exciting reason to watch Test cricket in 2024. #cricket #australiancricket
— Jose Kagoo (@Gauravselvam) January 10, 2024
Steve Smith as a opener 🥶
My man is ready to do anything for a comeback— Vatsal (@Vats_here) January 10, 2024
The Biggest move in Test cricket.
Steve Smith will open for Australia in Tests. [Fox Cricket] pic.twitter.com/MTYNbOEcGw
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 10, 2024
A new role for Steve Smith? 👀
More 👉 https://t.co/upcjhz5p3a#WTC25 pic.twitter.com/ZZOsEQLtY4
— ICC (@ICC) January 7, 2024
Steve Smith was batting at 3 during THAT Ashes series.
Warner and Bancroft both opening. He was basically playing as an opener already back then…..did pretty good
— Syzlak (@Syzlak_) January 10, 2024
Steve Smith, started his career as number 8, bowling leg spin then backbone of Australian batting & now as a Test opener at the age of 34.
– What a great journey, The best Test batter in modern Era. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/fwbbJ3qtIy
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 10, 2024
Steve Smith is the modern day Ravi Shastri! What a journey 🙌 #australiacricket #stevesmith
— Cricket by JB (@cricketByJB) January 10, 2024
Smith can bat whenever he wants to. Bancroft not fit to clean his boots.
— Steve Turner (@kenbewdymate) January 10, 2024
Steve Smith is a best Test batter in Modern Era Cricket 🏏 but he’s technically not good enough to open for Australia 🇦🇺 in Test cricket 🏏
— Zara Fatima 🌸 (@xara_fati) January 10, 2024
Excited to watch Steve Smith as a Test opener https://t.co/QejNUaevl6
— Hammered Truth🇦🇺 (@hammered_truth7) January 10, 2024
Also READ: Australia unveil Test squad for the West Indies series; names a new opener
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