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Steve Smith is excited about the opportunity to start the Test for Australia
On Sunday, Steve Smith, aged 34, expressed a sense of duty in taking on the role of Australia’s Test opener to fill the void left by David Warner’s departure. Smith acknowledged feeling obligated to step into the position but also admitted that the move suited him, as he often got bored waiting to bat at number four. The veteran cricketer, a surprising choice ahead of other openers like Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, and Matt Renshaw, will debut in this new role during the opening Test against the West Indies in Adelaide.
Explaining the decision, Smith mentioned the selectors’ desire to include Cameron Green in the side as an all-rounder and play the best six batters. To accommodate Green’s inclusion primarily as a batsman, Smith, with his experience, felt it was appropriate for him to step up and open the innings.
This move also allowed selectors to bring back Mitchell Marsh, who has excelled as an all-rounder recently, into the playing XI. Shifting Smith to the top order avoided the need for a specialist opener in the lineup.
Steve Smith revealed that he had been considering the idea of opening the innings as far back as the Ashes in England last year. However, the decision solidified during the third Test against Pakistan in Sydney earlier this month. The veteran cricketer expressed his anticipation for the opportunity to face the new ball, noting that batting in the top order is not foreign to him, having batted at number three for an extended period.
Smith, a former captain with 105 Tests and 9,514 runs to his name, admitted that coming in early suits him because he doesn’t like waiting to bat. He shared that he prefers being out in the middle batting rather than sitting on the sidelines with the pads on, highlighting his eagerness to contribute actively to the game.
