Former Australia captain Steve Smith has opened up about his new role as Australia’s opening batter in Test cricket. Smith is set to take over the opener’s spot following David Warner’s retirement from the longest format of the game.
Australia is all set to take on the West Indies in a two-match Test series at home. Smith was preferred over the likes of Matt Renshaw and Cameron Bancroft for the opener’s spot.
Speaking during his BBL match against Sydney Thunder, Smith said he mentioned his name a few times for the opener’s spot to Australia’s captain and coach, adding that all-rounder Cameron Green is suited to bat at number 4. Smith has opened the batting for Australia in T20Is during the series against India, but he has never done so in the other two formats.
“There’s been lots of talk about who was going to go take over David Warner’s opening spot. Talking to Ron (Andrew McDonald) and Patty (Pat Cummins), they were keen to play our best six batters. I was keen to get up there. I think my mentioned my name to them a few times and they thought the Mickey a bit, but I was dead serious. And with Green coming in, he’s suited to bat at number 4,” said Smith.
He went on to say that he’s been made to wait for his batting since Marnus Labuschagne cemented the number 3 spot, insisting that he’s not a good waiter. The highest Smith has batted in ODIs and Tests have been the number three spot.
“I think since Marnus Labuschagne has been in the team in particular, batting at number three and doing magnificent job. I’ve been sat there waiting for a long time (when batting at four), and I’m not a good waiter. When you’re opening the batting there’s none of that, you just get out there and get into your business,” Smith added.
