Australia's Steve Smith bats against the West Indies on the third day of their cricket test match in Adelaide, Australia, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/James Elsby)The second Test between Australia and West Indies at the Gabba will be remembered for the heroics of Shamar Joseph but from an Australian perspective, Steve Smith’s 91 not out in the chase would have given the assurances that the batter could deliver at the top of the order.
Post the retirement of David Warner from the format Smith has taken the spot moving up from the middle order against the West Indies. However, his start in the role as an opener did not go according to the plan for him as he had low scores in the first three innings which sparked a debate if the Australian talisman was the right man to do the job.
“There was a lot of commentary around I’d failed in two or three innings or whatever it was, I had a not out and two low scores,” Smith would say to reporters speaking ahead of the ODI series against the West Indies.
After scores of 12 and 11 not out in the first test in Adelaide, and six in his first innings at the Gabba, Smith played a sublime innings. “And now I think I’m averaging 60 as an opener,” Smith said.
“I didn’t really read too much into it. It was just another position. I’ve batted against a new ball numerous times, coming in early, so, for me, it’s just a position I’m just playing and that’s it.” he added.
Smith also said if the team wants him to move back to middle order he is willing to do it. “I don’t know if they see fit to move me back down or what, I’ll do whatever the team needs, but for now, I’m enjoying it up top.”
Earlier Smith would acknowledge the reason behind his volunteering to open. “I don’t like waiting to bat, so I thought why don’t I put my hand up and have a crack up top? That way, you can get Cameron Green in and you’re playing your best six batters,” he was quoted speaking to the Fox Sports
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