Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has disagreed to promote Steve Smith to open the batting in Tests. He reasoned that the ex-captain, along with Marnus Labuschagne, has been the backbone of Australia’s batting unit and they shouldn’t be unsettled. With David Warner retiring from the longer format of the game after making his debut back in 2011, a spot at the top of the order has been opened as well. While a few players are in the line like Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw and Marcus Harris, a few backed Smith to open in Test cricket.
Speaking on Channel 7, Ponting said: “I wouldn’t like to see him move. All this talk, all they are trying to do is find a spot in the side for Cameron Green. If they are going to do it, it has to be with the least disruption to the batting order as it is. Smith and Labuschagne have been magnificent at three and four – they have been the backbone of Australia’s batting for the last three or four years. I wouldn’t like to see that disrupted. I think it should be Cameron Bancroft to get that chance.”
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Meanwhile, former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson backed the idea during a cricket event, saying that opening the batting is a challenge Smith needs. Moreover, Smith has also shown interest. Aussie keeper-batter Alex Carey also believes that Steve Smith can bat at any spot in the line-up.
Carey said, as quoted by Perth Now: “Steve can bat wherever he wants. He’s probably proven in his career, whatever challenge is thrown at him he has found a way to succeed. We’ve got some great openers doing a fantastic job. Obviously a few other names are thrown out there. Smudge putting his hat in the ring, if he was to get the call-up he would do a great job. He’s faced the new ball a few times.”
Moreover, Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has backed teammate Steve Smith to open in the Test after David Warner’s retirement. However, they are set to play another Test series in 11 days’ time against the West Indies as well.
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Speaking to SEN Cricket after Australia’s 3-0 win over Pakistan, Marnus Labuschagne said: “He averages 58 at five, 61 at four and 67 at three, so it seems like the higher he goes the more he averages. I’ve got no doubt if that’s the way we went, he would do very well. He really wants it, he wants that motivation… waiting to bat is not his forte, he wants to get out there straight away.”
“I’m happy to do what the team needs, but I do love batting at three, I love the variety of the role. At the moment it could be anyone… I’ve seen the media throwing around Travis Head, throwing around me, obviously the three openers outside of the squad, Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw and Marcus Harris. Smudge (Steve Smith) seems like the lead frontrunner, the one that really wants it,” he concluded.
