Steve Smith, who initially began his Test career as a Number 8 batsman, now transitions to an opening role at 34 for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies, evoking diverse opinions on X.
Australian cricketer Steve Smith is set to open the batting in the upcoming West Indies Test series after expressing his desire for the role in light of David Warner’s retirement. The confirmation came from George Bailey, the chairman of selectors while unveiling the 13-member squad for the series.
In the upcoming series, Matt Renshaw replaces David Warner, marking the sole change from the winning squad against Pakistan. This change prompts Smith’s transition to opening, allowing Cameron Green to fit into the middle order.
Smith, despite his historic success in the middle order, shifts to an unfamiliar position in the latter stage of his remarkable career. He boasts a stellar record at No.4, but his move to open marks a first in Test cricket for Australia.
Social media platform ‘X’ saw varied opinions on Smith’s new role, with some lauding his journey from the lower order to opening while others questioned the logic.
Steve Smith, started his career as number 8, bowling leg spin then backbone of Australian batting & now as a Test opener at the age of 34.
— 👑RD चौधरी👑 (@RD_CHOUDHARY07) January 10, 2024
– What a great journey, The best Test batter in modern Era. 🫡
I wonder what happens to Steve Smith’s confidence if he averages 12 runs in the series against a very average bowling attack like the West Indies? @cricketcomau
— phil murray (@biglittlemuz) January 10, 2024
Knowing how obsessed Steve Smith is with cricket, I am hardly surprised that he wants to be the opener now that Warner is gone. I am sure he must have wanted that position from a long long time ago. I don't think there are harder things in the world for Smith than to wait for his…
— TheRandomCricketPhotosGuy (@RandomCricketP1) January 10, 2024
Australian Head of selectors George Bailey has confirmed Steve Smith has won the race, with Cameron Green to bat at No.4 !!!
— Basit Subhani (@BasitSubhani) January 10, 2024
My hunch is, Steve Smith will only start making more and more runs. Not good news for the bowlers world over 🎺 pic.twitter.com/KMgBZPQwvj
Just have a sneaky feeling that the Steve Smith nets are just about to become even longer now. There’ll be the exclusive new-ball stints too to fit in #AusvWI
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 10, 2024
I hope Steve Smith remains Opener when India visit in December. Early wicket assured.
— Sab Changa Si (सरफरोशी की तमन्ना अब दिल में है) (@philpjg) January 10, 2024
Steve Smith batted at 8 & 9 in his first Test and since then has batted in every position from 3-7, now he's an opener. He's basically the Wilfred Rhodes of his generation.
— Brydon Coverdale (@brydoncoverdale) January 10, 2024
Not A Great Move, Steve Smith technically not suitable to Open th inning for Australia in Test Cricket 🏏
— Zuhair (@zuh_dxb) January 10, 2024
Steve Smith averages 106.20 in Test cricket when his innings starts in the first two overs, and 69.58 in the first ten. pic.twitter.com/BMYY4NhxXg
— cricket informer 8055 (@Crickinformer) January 10, 2024
Congratulations To Smudge fans.
— ENGR Bilal Hussain (@BilalHu24596018) January 10, 2024
We will see another 2019 Ashes Form soon..In Test Cricket Steve Smith Is No 1#ETFbitcoin #BitcoinETF #stevesmith #DavidWarner #ViratKohli #ViratKohli𓃵 #INDvsAFG #PAKvsNZ #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/XJmpLibt1Z
Last Updated on January 10, 2024
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