Steve Smith walked out to open the bat for the first time in Test matches following David Warner's retirement from longer formats of the game. Smith achieved the feat when he stepped on to the field in Australia's first innings on Day 1 of the two-match Test series at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday (January 17). Australia bowled West Indies out for 188 before Smith rushed in and out to return as the opener.
Earlier, Australia had revealed their squad for the first match of the two-test series against West Indies. The selectors' head, George Bailey, had confirmed then that Smith will move up the order after unveiling a 13-man squad.
Often referred to as the best since Don Bradman in Test cricket, Smith, will transition to open alongside Usman Khawaja, allowing Cameron Green to reclaim his former spot at number four in the batting lineup. George Bailey clarified during a press conference that positioning Steve Smith as Australia's next opener aims not only to reorganise the middle-order but also to potentially extend Smith's illustrious Test career.
A Strategic Move For Smith’s Longevity
"For all intents and purposes, this is where. One of the things I'm really excited about the change is that I think he's really motivated and energised and excited about the opportunity, and fingers crossed that can provide some longevity in the format. For someone who has achieved as much as he has over such a long period of time across all formats, it's a challenge or an itch he'd like to scratch and ultimately for us, as a team, it’s something that fits." Bailey said as quoted by cricket.com.au.
The Test squad for the West Indies series also features Matt Renshaw, selected ahead of Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris by the selection panel. Notably, despite playing 167 first-class games, including 105 Tests, Smith, 34, has never opened the innings.
Steve Smith Has Michael Clarke’s Support
Michael Clarke, under whom Smith served as vice-captain for Australia, supported the idea of Smith opening the Test batting a few days ago. Speaking on ESPN's Around The Wicket show, Clarke praised Smith's technical abilities, judgement of deliveries, and exceptional hand-eye coordination.
"If he [Smith] wants to open the batting and they give him the chance, he'll be the No. 1 Test opener within 12 months.He's that good a player. If you can bat at three you can bat anywhere in the order," Clarke said.
Steve Smith himself expressed interest in being David Warner's successor as Australia's next Test opener after Warner's exit from Test cricket post the Sydney Test against Pakistan quite recently.
In an interview with ABC Grandstand after the third day's play, Smith affirmed his willingness for the role. "I'm actually happy to go up the top," Smith said. "I'm pretty keen if that's what they want to do. I'm sure the selectors and Ron [Andrew McDonald] and Patty [Cummins] will have a chat after this game but yeah, I'm certainly interested for sure." Smith said.