‘Nearly vomited,’ ex-Australia skipper talks about Steve Smith’s appointment as Test opener

Former Australia captain Kim Hughes is not impressed with the team management for promoting Steve Smith as the opening batter in Tests. Hughes also did not seem happy with the selectors for neglecting Cameron Bancroft in the squad. With David Warner’s retirement, Australia promoted Smith up in the batting order. Hughes revealed that he was nearly sickened upon learning that Smith would be opening despite Bancroft’s consistent performances in domestic cricket. “I nearly vomited. I’ve got no doubts in my mind that if Cameron Bancroft played for New South Wales, he’d be in the Test side. He is in his prime,” he had told 10 News First. Hughes argued that since Smith is struggling to make big scores, he should stick to batting at number 4 to regain his form. “He’s like a petulant kid. Smith is struggling at the moment. He’s been an absolute superstar, but as an opener, he is no more opener than me opening the bowling. He needs to stay at No.4, get his mojo back if you like, without all the fluff,” he went on to add. Hughes also lashed out at the management for overlooking performances in the Sheffield Shield, emphasizing the importance of rewarding those who do well. He asked the management to include Bancroft since it would send a message to Sheffield Shield players that impressive performances can help them in getting selected in international cricket. “I just think get Bancroft in there, it also sends a message to the Shield players that if you perform, you’ll get picked. You may as well go and play marbles – it would be just shattering,” Hughes said. Smith’s first innings as regular Test opener finished on 12 off 26 balls on Wednesday as he became a victim of debutant Shamar Joseph in the first Test at Adelaide.