In a strategic move, Australian batsman Steve Smith has volunteered to open the innings following David Warner’s retirement, citing his preference for not waiting to bat. This decision has reshaped the batting order, allowing Cameron Green to fill the vacant number four spot during the upcoming two-match Test series against West Indies, commencing on January 17 in Adelaide.

Smith, who has never opened in Test or first-class cricket in his 16-year career, is familiar with facing the new ball’s challenges. During the 2019 Ashes series, he consistently encountered the early swing and shine, batting at number four. Reflecting on the decision, Smith mentioned his dislike for waiting to bat, prompting him to take on the opening role to expedite his entrance and accommodate the promising all-rounder Cameron Green.

“I do not really like waiting to bat, so I thought, why not I put my hand up and have a crack up top, and that way you can get Cameron Green in, and you are playing your six best batters, so hopefully, it works out,” remarked Steve Smith during his appearance for Sydney Sixers.

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Smith’s success in the 2019 Ashes, where he faced the new ball consistently, scoring 774 runs in four matches with three centuries and three fifties, serves as inspiration for this unconventional move. He expressed excitement about facing the new ball, emphasizing his prior success and familiarity with batting early in the innings.

Steve Smith Unveils the Motivation Behind His Choice to Open the Innings in Test Cricket.#SteveSmith pic.twitter.com/JCU1s57U6X

— Sportiqo (@sportiqomarket) January 13, 2024

David Warner, recently retired from Test and ODI cricket, sees Smith’s move as advantageous, expecting him to capitalize on conventional bowling and tactics early in the innings. Opponents have often resorted to various strategies against Smith, including round-the-wicket bouncers and stacked leg-side fields, which, while not leading to dismissals, have affected his scoring rate.

“He likes to walk across and get onto the leg side and get it away there. People have been bowling short to him when he first gets in. But he finds a way,” observed David Warner.

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With Smith and Usman Khawaja potentially having a few more years in Test cricket, Warner envisions them playing in the 2025-26 Ashes at home. While Matt Renshaw has been identified as a future opener, Warner supports Green’s return to the side, emphasizing the importance of securing the number four spot as the foundation for a strong middle order.

“It is a good taste for Greeny… 24 years of age. They are going to have to look for two new guys up the top [of] the order. But to get that No. 4 replacement as well, that is your foundation at three and four. So if they can knuckle that down, they have got a base in the middle. Then they just have a look for some more openers,” David Warner concluded. The upcoming series against West Indies will provide a platform to assess the effectiveness of this bold move in the Australian batting lineup.