Renowned Australian batsman Steve Smith has expressed his excitement and readiness for his upcoming challenge at the top of the order in the opening Test against West Indies, scheduled to commence in Australia on Wednesday.
Smith’s decision to move up the batting order from his traditional middle-order position comes in the wake of veteran left-hander David Warner’s retirement.
The 34-year-old Smith, Australia’s leading batsman in Test cricket, has an impressive record of 9,514 runs from 105 Tests. Despite the change in his batting position, he is eager to face the new ball and relish the challenge. Smith noted that he has had prior experience batting early in an innings, especially during the 2019 Ashes series when he faced the new ball.
“I am [excited]. I like facing the newer ball,” stated Smith, who has demonstrated his batting prowess in the longest format over the years. “I think 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 number three for 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.”
Test average of 150 against West Indies
Smith boasts an extraordinary Test average of 150 against West Indies, with his highest score of 200 not out achieved during their last tour to Australia two years ago. While some former cricketers have expressed concerns about Smith’s move to the opening slot, Australian cricketer Aaron Finch believes that Smith’s exceptional skills and experience make him well-suited for the role.
“When you’ve been one of the greatest players of all time, I think he’ll find it easier than most,” Finch commented. “Initially when it was floated, I didn’t think it was the right idea. But the more I think about it, the more it makes a lot of sense.”
West Indies faces the challenge of not having won a single Test against Australia in 21 years. They are also striving to break a three-decade-long streak without a series victory against their Australian rivals. As Australia’s top batsman, Steve Smith’s performance at the top of the order will be crucial in determining the outcome of the upcoming Test series.
