(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Australia batter Steve Smith explained the decision that the team has made to promote him to the opening position in Test cricket.
As David Warner recently retired from the Test format, Smith will take over this role from the upcoming two-match series against the West Indies, starting January 17 in Adelaide.
Smith took the onus to initiate the discussions for his batting position elevation as he believes Cameron Green, who will replace the former at No.4, has not played as an opener at any level.
“For me, it was a conversation saying, ‘I’m keen to go up to the top. If you were thinking about Greeny up the top, he hasn’t done it at all’. (Green) bats four in Shield cricket,” Smith said as quoted on Fox Cricket.
The 34-year-old is bracing up for the challenge, which he has given to himself as he do not like waiting to bat.
“Since Marnus has been back playing at No.3, I’ve been waiting to bat for quite a long period of time. I don’t like waiting to bat, so I thought why don’t I put my hand up and have a crack up top? That way, you can get Cameron Green in and you’re playing your best six batters,” he told Fox Sports.
“I am (excited). I like facing the newer ball. If you look back to the 2019 Ashes, I was in pretty early there most of the time where I was facing the new ball. I batted No.3 from a number of years as well and was in early and did pretty well against the new ball. So, it’s nothing new or foreign to me. I enjoy getting in there and getting amongst it, and I’m looking forward to that challenge,” Smith added.