Steve Smith is all set to be Australia’s new Test opener replacing David Warner against the West Indies | Cricket News

Australian talisman Steve Smith is going to take David Warner’s opening spot for the side’s upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies. The 34-year-old who has been prolific for Australia in the middle order will try his hand for the first time as an opener in the international red-ball format.
“Steve’s obviously motivated and energized and keen to do it,” Chairman of selectors George Bailey said. “There were plenty within the team who were pretty keen to go on record and say that they weren’t keen to do it. So it was refreshing that Steve had come forward and said he wanted it and it was something that we’d been chatting about in the background as a selection panel with the coaches as well.
A few names like Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Matt Renshaw have been thrown out. Recently, Smith’s name has come into contention on that l. The debate began after his comments on ABC Radio. “I’m actually happy to go up the top,” Smith said.

With Smith going at the top it enables the side to have Green come into the middle order who has been fighting for a spot with Mitchell Marsh since the latter’s resurgence in the side as a counter-attacking middle-order batter earlier this year in the Ashes. “Opportunity to slot Cam into a position where he’s had so much success at first-class level and we think ultimately, is a great spot for him to be in the Test team.” Bailey would say.
Matt Renshaw who has opened for Australia in the past too has been added to the squad as well. “I think ultimately you can mount statically some strong cases for a number of players,” Bailey said. As it currently stands, the panel sees Matt Renshaw is our next best batter.
Australia 1st Test squad: Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Renshaw, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc