The Australia national cricket team opener saga is over, with Steve Smith pushed up the order to replace the retired David Warner in the number one slot. The rumour mill churned several hypotheses in the immediate aftermath of Warner's announcement confirming his intent to retire, but the Australian selectors have taken a more conservative route by simply reshuffling the order. Smith will open when Australia face West Indies in a Test match in the coming days, with Cameron Green roped in to replace the batter at number four. (More Cricket News)
Australia's chief selector, George Bailey, reiterated that the new order was experimental, but it was only possible due to Smith's eagerness to open the innings in the twilight of his career. Whether the Aussie great will continue to open the batting until his eventual retirement, Bailey wouldn't confirm.
“Tongue in cheek, I could say everything’s an experiment. That’s been part of the discussions with Steve, I believe he’s keen for this to be a significant chapter of his career," Bailey said.
“We don’t look too far ahead… (but) for all intents and purposes, this is where Steve wants to stay.”
Whether the Aussie great will continue to open the batting until his eventual retirement, Bailey wouldn't confirm. When quizzed about the same, Bailey said: “He may do. It’s not something he’s doing on a whim or he wants to do for one match and see how he goes.”
“It’s selfless that someone who has had so much success in one position or a couple of positions in the middle order is open and willing and hungry to have a crack at something new and something different.”
Starting January 17, 2024, Australia will play West Indies in an all-formats series. The pair will first contest two Test matches before shifting to three One Day Internationals and, finally, three T20 Internationals. Upon the conclusion of the three-legged contest, Australia will travel to the neighbouring New Zealand to partake in a T20I and Test series.
Australia's Test Squad Vs West Indies: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Matt Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.
