January 12, 2024

‘Been Sitting and Waiting for a Long Time’: Steve Smith on Potential Test Opener Role

During a Big Bash League match between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, Steve Smith discussed his possible new role as Australia’s Test opener. This discussion comes from David Warner’s recent retirement, which has created a vacancy at the top of Australia’s batting lineup. Smith’s potential shift to this position marks a significant change as he contemplates the responsibilities and challenges of opening the batting in Test cricket.

Smith’s comments during the match reflect his consideration of how this new role could impact his game and the team. As he prepares for this possible transition, he is keenly aware of the opportunity to substantially contribute to the Australian side. This move would influence his career and shape the future of Australia’s Test batting lineup.

During the match, in a conversation with the match commentators, Smith revealed his intentions for the new role. He said,” I’m keen, I think it was a position that became vacant after David Warner left. There have been a lot of talks on who is going to be up there, talking to Ron and Paddy, they were keen to get Green involved and play our best six batters.”

The batter has recently played in the number four position ever since reinventing himself as a specialist batter for Australia in the red-ball format. Smith added, “I was keen to get up there and I mentioned my name to them a few times and they thought I was micking a bit. They took me seriously in the end and I think with Green coming in, he is suited at number four and I’ve batted in the top of the order a lot at number three and been in the first couple of overs a few times.”

Smith was asked about Watson’s views on him needing a new challenge. Watson in an interview with Fox Sports had said, “Steve Smith opening the batting, he has got the technique, is the challenge he needs.”

Smith added,” I think since Marnus has been in the team in particular batting at number three and doing a magnificent job, I’ve been sitting and waiting for a long time. At least when you are opening there is none of that you just get out there and into your business. I’m excited by that prospect and yeah that is something that I am looking forward to.”

Australia’s next Test series in the red-ball format begins against the West Indies at the Adelaide Oval on January 17. Steve Smith is expected to face significant challenges in his new role as opener, as he seeks to return to his top form and contribute crucial runs for the team.

WATCH: David Warner’s Sledge Distracts Steve Smith, Leading to Golden Duck

January 12, 2024

As discussions continue about Steve Smith’s potential new role as Australia’s Test opener, his former teammate David Warner added some spice during their Big Bash League clash between the Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers.

Smith had a dismal start to his tenure as the Sixers’ opening player. Warner, who had a microphone attached to him, made sly comments about Smith as the players took the field. “Nothing’s distracting him. Nothing ever distracts him,” said Warner.

“He has got a mark on his foot there so he might be fidgety about that,” added Warner knows Smith with the duo having featured for Australia across all three formats.

Although Smith didn’t say much, he appeared slightly restless as he prepared to take his stance for the first delivery of the match.“No, that’s not centre, little bit to the right. Mate, if you open the batting you’ve got to mark it properly. One go only. Nah he’s locked in,” Warner looked to take a sly dig at Smith ahead of the first delivery.

Smith was dismissed for a duck when Daniel Sams delivered a short ball that Smith attempted to pull. However, he couldn’t clear the boundary, and Nathan McAndrew took the catch.

Australia’s next Test series starts against the West Indies on January 17 at the Adelaide Oval. Steve Smith may open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja. At the same time, Cameron Green is expected to return to the squad, taking Smith’s former position at number four.

Despite Smith’s duck, the Sydney Sixers secured a 19-run victory thanks to a standout performance by Steven O’Keefe, who took three crucial wickets, dismissing David Warner, Alex Hales, and Cameron Bancroft.

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