Steve Smith spills beans on how he convinced Australian selectors and management to open in Tests

David Warner has been an integral member of the Australian cricket set-up in all formats of the game but especially in test cricket the southpaw’s impact the quite massive. The opener’s slot in test cricket is considered to be one of the toughest slots to bat on and Warner in his illustrious career has taken that role as a fish to water.

But after Warner’s retirement, there has been a void in the Australian batting order, especially in the Test format which has prompted the Australian team management to explore new options. Smith has been a linchpin in the Australian batting lineup for over a decade and has shown his interest in taking up the opener’s role after he retires which has been approved by the Australian selectors and management as he is set to open against West Indies in the upcoming series. 

Smith opens up on how he convinced Australia management to open in Tests

In a new interaction, Steve Smith opened up on how he convinced the Australian management for his taking the opener’s role in test cricket. Smith said that the idea of him opening the innings first occurred to his mind last year during the Ashes in England after observing Warner’s indications of potential retirement.

Cricket Australia quoted Smith as saying, “I’d been pushing it for a few weeks, even before Perth, and I might have even floated it in England randomly and said I’m happy to play up top.”

Smith even repeated his desire to open in Tests before the first test against Pakistan at Perth. Smith also said that the selectors were keen on making Cameron Green open the innings but he thought otherwise as he is the experienced campaigner. 

Smith said, “In Perth, I said ‘after Davey’s done I’m keen to get up there’ and I don’t think they (selectors) took me seriously until I got to Sydney (for the pink Test against Pakistan) and said ‘you know I’m being genuine here’,” the right-hand batter added.

He further reiterated, “I’d be keen to get up top and face the new ball and they were like ‘We’ll take that under advisement and see how it all looks’. They were very keen to get Cameron (Green) in the side as well and play our best six batters, and for me, it didn’t sit right to have him come in and bat up top. I’ve played for a long time and I’m an experienced player, and I think it’s something I should have done.”