Australia's newly-appointed Test opener, Steve Smith, has addressed doubts and criticism surrounding his promotion to the top of the order. In response, Smith suggested that sceptics should analyse the statistics. Traditionally batting at number four in Australia's Test lineup, Smith assumed the opening position from David Warner for the recently-concluded Australia vs West Indies series.
The second Test between Australia and West Indies at the Gabba will be remembered for Shamar Joseph's heroics. However, from Australia’s perspective, Steve Smith's unbeaten 91 in the chase would have provided reassurance that the batter can deliver at the top of the order as well, even though the innings came in a losing cause.
Steve Smith's start into the role of an opener did not unfold as planned, with low scores in the first three innings. This led to a debate about whether the Australian great was the right fit for the job.
“There was a lot of commentary around I'd failed in two or three innings – I had a not out and two low scores,” Smith stated as quoted by Cricket.com.au speaking ahead of the ODI series against the West Indies.
Following scores of 12 and 11 not out in the first Test in Adelaide and a modest six in his first innings at the Gabba, Steve Smith played a sublime innings in the second Test.
“Now I'm averaging 60 as an opener. It was just another position; I've battled against the new ball numerous times, coming in early.” added Smith.
'I'll Do Whatever The Team Needs'
Steve Smith also mentioned that if the team sees fit for him to move back to the middle order, he is willing to do so. He expressed his readiness to adapt to the team's needs, stating, "I've enjoyed the first couple of weeks of it ... if they see fit to move me back down, I'll do whatever the team needs.”
Australia, led by Smith, are set to lock horns with West Indies in the first match of the three-match ODI series slated to commence on February 2 (Friday) in Melbourne.