Cricket Australia has promoted Steve Smith as the team’s Test opener in a shock move. Australia chief selector George Bailey confirmed to the media on Wednesday, January 10 that Steve Smith will take the lead with Usman Khawaja for Australia in the Tests.
David Warner bid adieu to the longer format after the previous Test series against Pakistan. The left-handed batsman played his last Test match in Sydney after holding the top spot for the Australians for a long time.
After his dismissal, three younger players were expected to take over the starting role. Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw and Cameron Bancroft were in the running to replace Warner. The trio have been consistent performers in Australia’s domestic first-class tournament, the Sheffield Shield, over the past few seasons.
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Steve Smith to take over for David Warner
Steve Smith usually comes in at third in the Australian Test team. In ODIs and T20Is too, Smith settles in at number 3 or 4 and refrains from opening. However, now the batting legend will take on a new role for Australia.
There were rumors that Steve Smith would be promoted as a Test opener. However, many experts and former players did believe in the strategy. They feel grooming a young batsman will be a better decision for the team’s future.
Steve Smith is 34 years old and has played 105 Tests for Australia. In 187 innings, the right-handed batsman amassed over 9,500 runs at an average of 58.01. With 32 tons, 4 double tons and 40 fifties, Smith is among the batting legends when it comes to Tests. In the recent Test series against Pakistan, Smith scored 194 runs in 66 innings at an average of 41.40.
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Australia to face West Indies in Test series
Australia’s next campaign will be a two-match Test series at home against the West Indies. The first AUS vs WI Test begins on January 17 at Adelaide Oval. The second match will be played at The Gabba from January 25.
The West Indies’ tour of Australia 2024 will also feature an ODI and T20I series. Later, a total of 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is will be held between both sides. The West Indies and Australia have also announced their teams for the Test series.
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Matt Renshaw part of Test squad against West Indies
Kraigg Braithwaite will lead the Caribbean team during the test series. Pat Cummins is the captain of Australia. Interestingly, Matt Renshaw is also part of the Australian Test team. However, with Steve Smith occupying the top spot, it is highly unlikely that Renshaw will have a chance in two games.
Australia has fielded an almost similar team as in the previous Test series against Pakistan. The batting department consists of all the key members like Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Smith Smith and Mitchell Marsh. Among the bowlers, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon will lead the attack.