‘One of the best problem solvers in the game’ – Andrew McDonald backs Australia’s star batter as an opener
Steve Smith (Source: Twitter)
Australia’s star batter Steve Smith, who moved up from number four following David Warner’s retirement, made 12 and 11 not out in the series opener against West Indies, which Australia won inside seven sessions. Smith’s first outing as a Test opener may not have gone to plan but Australia coach Andrew McDonald said he had the full support of the team and that it would take time for him to build a relationship with Usman Khawaja at the top of the order.
Smith, who moved up from number four following David Warner’s retirement, made 12 and 11 not out in the series opener against West Indies, which Australia won inside seven sessions. Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has thrown his weight behind Steve Smith after the latter failed in his first attempt at opening the innings in Tests.
The 42-year-old sees the right-hander as a problem solver and feels he should bat at the top. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, McDonald reasoned that the long-standing connection between Smith and Khawaja is why they have put them as openers. The Victorian elaborated (via Cricket Australia)
“I suppose it’s more just the connection of Usman and Smudge over time. We’ve seen Davey and Usman’s connection and then the partnerships that they’ve been able to produce. That’ll be how we judge it – how that partnership functions.”
“They’re world-class performers at the top of the order and we think Steve Smith is one of the best problem solvers in the game. We’ve said that leading into this and it makes sense for us that he’s at the top.”
West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who made his Test debut in Adelaide, dismissed Smith with his first ball in international cricket and claimed 5-94 in the first innings
Another debutant, Justin Greaves, claimed 2-36 but McDonald was confident Australian batters would do better in the day-night second Test in Brisbane, beginning on Thursday, having gained some familiarity with the new West Indies attack.
“Sight unseen is always difficult for batters when you haven’t seen someone and gotten used to their rhythm and the cues they present,” McDonald said.
“Sometimes you do get drawn into shots that potentially you don’t play. We feel as though now that there’s less unknowns going into the second Test match, we’ve had a good look at them, a lot of those little decision-making errors that may have crept in I think will iron themselves out.”
The 2nd Test begins on January 25 at the Gabba in Brisbane.
