David Warner has expressed his opinion that Steve Smith could be the next Test opener for Australia. Usman Khawaja would open the innings, but Australian selectors are in a fix for another opener for the upcoming two-Test match against West Indies. Warner announced his retirement after the 3rd Test match against Pakistan played at Sydney Cricket Ground, SCG on 6th January 2024.
“I think (Smith) would go well, he is the best Test batsman in the world, he just finds a way. It’s probably the challenge of it which I think he probably wants to get into,” Warner was quoted as saying to Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist on the Prairie Club Fire podcast. “He’s ticked the box off where he is now … he probably just wants to see if he can go out and open. He’ll adapt to any situation … he’ll do very, very well.”
Steve Smith could perform at his best with 194 runs from 6 innings in a 3-match Test series against Pakistan at home at an average of 38.80 including his best score of 50 during the second innings of the 2nd test match at Melbourne.
Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft are the options considered for the opening slot along with Usman Khawaja. The two-test match series against West Indies begins on 17th January at Adelaide Oval while the second test will be played at Gabba, Brisbane which would be a day-night encounter.
Steve Smith’s performance in Test matches
Steve Smith has been an excellent performer for Australia in Test matches. He has proven his worth with some brilliant knocks on tough pitches including in India, Australia, England and other places. Smith made his Test debut against Pakistan on 13th July 2010.
He has scored so far 9514 runs from 105 matches (187 innings) with 32 centuries and 40 half-centuries. Out of 32 centuries, 4 of them have been converted into double centuries. He registered his best score of 239 in the 3rd Ashes Test match at Perth. For his 239, Smith was named the Player of the Match award.
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