Aaron Finch, a former opening batsman from Australia, has said that Steve Smith should be restored to his old position of No. 4 in the red-ball batting order. After David Warner’s retirement this year, he was promoted to the front of the group. Till now Smith hasn’t managed to make any lasting impression in this temporary role.
He score an encouraging fifty during the second Test match against West Indies at Gabba; but apart from this, there has not been much else about his recent performances. In particular, he found it difficult during New Zealand’s tour against the moving new ball and since then many have demanded that such experiments come to an end.
Similar to Finch, former players like Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer have expressed concerns about the rearranged batting order, as has Steve Smith’s current opening partner, Usman Khawaja.
In a conversation with 7News, Aaron Finch said: “(Smith opening) did make a bit of sense when you’re trying to find the best spot for Cameron Green in the side when everybody’s been quite open about the fact that they want to push him in the side no matter what it takes.”
“I can see where the move came from, Steve putting his hand up and saying, ‘You know what, maybe it is time for a new challenge,’ and he proved himself a good opener, no doubt about that. But, I mean, when you’ve averaged near on 60 over your career, I think it’s time to head back in that direction, in my opinion,” he added.
In an interview, Smith said that he was open to batting in any position and has left it completely up to the team management whether they want him to open or play in the middle order.
“All around the world, he’s probably proved himself to be an outstanding wicket-keeper” – Aaron Finch wants Alex Carey to take the aggressive role
In the presence of Steve Smith at the top of the order, Cameron Green is batting in the 4th place position similar to what he does at the domestic level. However, should Smith go back to his former post, there may need to be some sacrifice by Australia with one batsman being dropped to pave the way for an authentic opener.
In the same interview, Finch said: “All around the world, he’s probably proved himself to be an outstanding wicket-keeper and then the runs are really important, especially against a team like India. Their bowling attack is so strong that you can’t allow them to dictate terms to you because they’re so consistent.”
“They’re so accurate. So the way that he plays and puts the pressure back on oppositions will be a really crucial role at No. 7 because there will be early wickets.”
To save his team from the jaws of defeat, Carey had made a counter-attacking 65 with the bat which came from as many as 49 balls inclusive of three sixes and four fours against West Indies.
He also scored an unbeaten 98 by facing just 123 deliveries against New Zealand earlier this year which was quite impressive for him. His average in Test cricket is 31.88 indicating that he has been of value addition while batting with wickets keeping role too.
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