Former South African batsman AB de Villiers stated in his latest YouTube video that Steve Smith will not be a good option as an opener for Australia as they try to replace David Warner. His comments came in light of Cricket Australia’s search for a long-term replacement for Warner, who retired from Test cricket last week.
Australia achieved a hidden 3-0 victory against Pakistan in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy which was Warner’s farewell test series. In his final innings, Warner scored 57 to help the Australians start their summer season in style. They are now preparing to host the West Indies in a two-match Test series starting on January 17 in Adelaide.
In this series we may find out who he will be a couple with. Usman Khawaja on top. Many names such as Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris and Cameron Green have been touted to replace Warner, while No. 4 batsman Steve Smith himself has thrown in his hat for the starting spot.
Head coach Andrew McDonald and captain Pat Cummins expressed their views on Smith’s desire to open, stating that they are pleased with the right-hander’s contribution in the middle order. They also stated that such a move can also upset the balance of the team which allowed them to clinch 2 ICC trophies last year – the WTC and the CWC trophy.
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However, reports emerged on Wednesday morning that the Australian management had given Steve Smith the green light to face the new ball with Khawaja and that the new change will be implemented when the Test series against the West Indies begins.
Cricket Australia also announced the squad for the series, recalling Cameron Green and Matt Renshaw in the Test side, who were in talks to replace Warner. But Fox Cricket confirmed that none of them will open and could slot into the middle order.
“I don’t agree” – AB de Villiers offers honest insight into Steve Smith’s opening for Australia
Cricket Australia’s decision to let Steve Smith face the new ball has received mixed reactions on social media. Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers said he does not agree with this. He claimed that he could actually reduce Australia’s strength in the middle order.
He also said that in case Smith does not perform well as an opener, he will face a lot of backlash and will ultimately be the loss of Australian cricket.
“I don’t know if I agree with this (Smith’s opening). Where did he have the most success in the last ten years and the highest average of all hitters in the last ten years? He has won many matches for Australia. When players get 2 or 3 early wickets, they still know that they have to get past Steve Smith, or else he will win the game for his team,” De Villiers said.
“Smith has a big-game temperament. But now, if you throw the order at him, suddenly he gets two good nuts and two ducks, suddenly he no longer plays an integral part of the glue that holds the Australian middle order together. I don’t agree with that, but it’s up to Cricket Australia to make the decision,” De Villiers concluded.
