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[Saba Sports News] The decision to promote Steve Smith as Australia’s Test opener has been met with varied opinions, but none as striking as former Australian captain Kim Hughes’s reaction. Hughes, who led Australia in 28 Tests and was the country’s youngest Test captain until Smith broke his record in 2014, expressed his disapproval in strong terms, even stating that he “nearly vomited” upon hearing the news. He believes Cameron Bancroft, currently in top form with an average of 56.88 in the Sheffield Shield, would be a more fitting replacement for the retired David Warner.
“I nearly vomited. I’ve got no doubts in my mind that if Cameron Bancroft played for New South Wales, he’d be in the Test side. He is in his prime,” he shared.
While Michael Clarke supports Smith’s new role, predicting he could become the world’s best opener and even surpass Brian Lara’s record, Hughes criticized Smith’s current performance and on-field mannerisms. He emphasized the significance of the Sheffield Shield, Australia’s premier domestic First-Class tournament, and the importance of selecting players based on their performance there.
Hughes mocked Smith’s batting quirks and suggested that Smith, who he described as struggling and behaving like a “petulant kid,” is better suited for the No. 4 position. He argued for Bancroft’s inclusion in the Test side, advocating that it would send a positive message to Shield players that performance leads to selection. Hughes’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about player selection and roles within Australian cricket.
“Touch this, do this, do that [imitates Smith]… never want to leave when I am given out. He’s like a petulant kid. Smith is struggling at the moment. He’s been an absolute superstar, but as an opener, he is no more opener than me opening the bowling. He needs to stay at No.4, get his mojo back if you like, without all the fluff,” Hughes commented. “I think the other, and a very important thing is, you must reward those that are performing well, and our Sheffield Shield competition – yes it is not as strong as it used to be when he had our Test players playing in it – it is still the competition from which you can have a look and see who is playing well. I just think get Bancroft in there, it also sends a message to the Shield players that if you perform, you’ll get picked. You may as well go and play marbles – it would be just shattering.”