Following David Warner’s retirement, star Australian hitter Steve Smith has entered the fray to fill the void on the Australian Test squad.
Even though he has played in Tests for thirteen years, many were astonished by his public statement that he wants to start the innings.
At now, the 34-year-old bats at No.4, where he has an average of 61.50. However, he believes that taking on the task of starting the innings might revitalize his red-ball career.
Teammate Marnus Labuschagne fervently endorsed Smith, saying that he would hit in the 60s if given the chance to play opener, even if coach Andrew McDonald was skeptical about the move.
Without a doubt, he wants it. “And seriously, that man can’t do anything.” Following Australia’s 3-0 rout of Pakistan, Labuschagne spoke with cricket.com.au.
He often shoots 67 at four, 62 at three, and 58 at five. If we follow that route and give it to him, I guarantee he’ll open with an average in the 60s.
In my opinion, he might thrive on the task. He has a lovely technique to counter any kind of bowling, and it may be the one that sends him racing out to bat immediately, with the ball swooping and nipping about. It’s likely that you won’t find anybody else out there more appealing,” he chimed in.
The Australian think tank is intent on replacing Warner with Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw, or Cameron Bancroft in the next Test series, so Smith will probably have to wait a while before he gets that chance.