In a significant development, Steve Smith has been officially designated as Australia’s new Test opener, as confirmed by George Bailey, the chairman of selectors. While Matt Renshaw was initially chosen to replace the departing David Warner in the Test squad against West Indies, Smith has been granted the opportunity to bat at the top of the order.
Consequently, Renshaw will now serve as a reserve batter, and Bailey has also announced the inclusion of Cameron Green in the playing XI. Despite having an impressive first-class record at No. 4, Green is set to bat in the same position at the Test level.
Steve Smith set to become new Test opener for Australia after Warner’s retirement
Despite maintaining an average of over 60 at No. 3 and No. 4, Smith had expressed his desire to move up the order following Warner’s retirement. While captain Pat Cummins was initially hesitant about reshuffling the batting order, Smith received support from teammates like Marnus Labuschagne and former captain Michael Clarke.
Bailey acknowledged Smith’s motivation and eagerness for the new role, emphasizing the selflessness of a player willing to explore a different position despite previous success in the middle order.
In the search for Warner’s replacement, despite calls for Cameron Bancroft, the selection panel opted for Renshaw’s versatility, given his experience batting in different positions throughout his first-class career. Renshaw recently showcased his form with an unbeaten 136 against Pakistan in a tour game, and his last appearance for the national team was in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India.
The 13-man squad for the first Test against West Indies in Adelaide will also see the return of Scott Boland, who was released before the Sydney Test against Pakistan to participate in the BBL.
The squad for the first Test includes: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, and Mitchell Starc.
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