 "Steve Smith has opened in four Test matches so far for Australia. Reuters")
Steve Smith’s decision to open for Australia in the Tests since David Warner’s retirement has been a mixed bag. The star batter averages 28.5 after four Tests including a fighting 91 against West Indies in Brisbane. With the five-match Test series against India at home starting in November, there’s a renewed focus on Smith’s opening slot.
The right-handed batter, however, is determined to continue doing the job of an opener.
“You’ll have to ask the men in charge but I’m not fussed either way,” Smith was quoted as saying by Code Sports.
Smith, however, was quick to admit that he has still not matched his potential in the opening slot.
“Some challenging conditions with the new ball, in particular. So I would have liked to score a few more runs," Smith said.
“That’s the game sometimes but I played pretty well in the second innings at the Gabba where we couldn’t get over the line, unfortunately. It’s just a position to me so it doesn’t really faze me too much.”
Smith aims to play in IPL
Another big challenge for Smith has been his form in T20 cricket. The veteran was not picked for the T20 World Cup 2024 and the 35-year-old has only played in four international T20s since the 2022 T20 World Cup.
“I don’t know about international T20 stuff. You’ll have to ask the selectors there,” Smith added. “I was disappointed not to be in the World Cup but that’s the way things go. They wanted all the big hitters.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe former captain is hoping to be a part of IPL again.
“I’d love to be part of the IPL again, for sure. I’ll be putting my name in the hat so just have to keep scoring runs. You never know, we’ll see what happens.”