Steven Smith, considered one of the world’s finest Test batsmen, is currently facing challenges in his role as an opener. Despite his stellar form in the longer format, Smith has been unable to provide Australia with strong starts in recent innings. The departure of David Warner has not opened up opportunities for Smith, and he seems to be grappling with the demands of the opening position.
Having played two Test series against Pakistan, Smith managed only two golden ducks, further adding to his recent struggles. Now, against the West Indies, he finds himself under scrutiny for his performance. In the three Tests he opened, Smith scored a mere 12 runs, a stark contrast to his usual middle-order batting position. With 106 Tests under his belt, Smith has accumulated 9,537 runs, boasting an impressive record of 32 centuries.
However, the move to the opening position seems to be presenting challenges for Smith. Travis Head, the hero of the recent World Cup, and Matt Renshaw have been considered by selectors for the opening role, signaling potential changes. Despite his experience opening for Sydney Sixers in the BBL 2023-24, Smith is yet to establish himself as a reliable opener in Test cricket.
In recent Test series against the West Indies, Smith has not been able to make a significant impact with the bat. The selectors have provided opportunities, but Smith has struggled to capitalize on them. With the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC 2023-25), where Australia is positioned at the top, every Test match becomes crucial. The question arises whether Smith will continue as an opener or be given opportunities in the middle order. His recent challenges suggest a potential shift in roles or possibly providing him opportunities in later matches. This situation has added an intriguing element to Smith’s career, leaving fans and cricket enthusiasts eager to see how it unfolds.