Steven Smith’s already legendary red-ball career will be extended, according to chief selector George Bailey of Cricket Australia, who decided to make the man the next Test opener. Following the release of the 13-man Test squad for the two-match home series against the West Indies, which begins on December 17, he discussed the former Test captain’s new batting position.
Bailey also disclosed that Cameron Green, an all-around player who will replace Smith at number four in the starting lineup, was the main driver of the 34-year-old’s rise. It’s interesting to note that Bailey sought advice from men’s team coach Andrew McDonald and Test captain Pat Cummins prior to deciding on the final batting order. Still, Matthew Renshaw, the Queensland opener, is the next possible opener, ahead of Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft, as evidenced by his recall as the “extra batter.”.
“This is where Steve wants to stay, all things considered. He seems to be incredibly focused, energized, and happy about the chance, which is one of the reasons I’m so excited about the move. Hopefully, this will lead to some longevity in the format. Bailey was reported by cricket.com.au as stating, “For someone who has accomplished 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.”
The fact that someone who has excelled in one or more middle-order roles is eager and willing to try their hand at something new shows how selfless they are. And it’s a chance to move Greeny up to number four, where he’s performed well for Western Australia. We felt that we had someone who is really good and who could find it difficult to acquire any Test cricket in the next 12 months or so because of how highly we value Cameron and how the rest of the batting order is playing,” the 41-year-old continued.
In my opinion, Green has the technical ability to open: Bailey
George Bailey went on to say that they had talked about Cameron Green being a top-order hitter. They chose, however, to retain the explosive all-round player in the middle order, where he has performed admirably for Western Australia on the national team.
“I believe he is technically able to accomplish that” (opening). I believe that four is the best location for him to set himself up for success because he’s a younger player who may also bowl some overs, and because of his tremendous success at the first-class level wherever he bats, especially at four or five,” the former Australian cricketer continued.
Australia Test Squad vs. West Indies:
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, and Mitchell Starc.