Australia batter Steven Smith said that his success in the 2019 Ashes demonstrates his credentials as a player who is at ease with the new ball.
Former Australian greats Rickey Ponting and Justin Langer questioned the 34-year-old’s intention to replace recently retired opener David Warner at the top of the order.
Smith, on the other hand, said that his motivation to open stemmed from a desire to give Cameron Green an opportunity at No.4, as well as his personal delight of going to the crease early.
“I am (ecstatic).” “I like facing the newer ball,” Smith said before of his BBL encounter to Fox Sports. “I think if you look back to the 2019 Ashes, I was in there pretty early most of the time where I was facing the new ball.”
“I batted third for a few years as well, and I was in early and did pretty well against the new ball.”
“It’s nothing new or strange to me.” I like going in there and mixing it up, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Smith was out on the first ball he faced in his BBL comeback for the Sydney Sixers against the Sydney Thunder on Friday night, but all eyes are already on the first Test against West Indies, which begins on Wednesday in Adelaide.