Steven Smith asked to be put in first place after David Warner opted out of the longer format of the game and the club management agreed. The experienced batsman did not take advantage of the opportunity. He failed to win the first Test against the West Indies and although he scored 91*runs in the second Test, Australia lost by eight wickets.
He also struggled against New Zealand, finishing the two-match series with just 51 runs. Afterwards, former Australian captain Tim Paine said that if Smith had continued to open the match, any opponent would have had no trouble winning as he had failed so far. However, Paine remains optimistic about Smith’s chances of a speedy recovery and is confident he can cope with the new ball. Smith is 34 years old.
“If you think about it, if we were playing against Australia, where would Steve Smith most like to bat? If I were you, I would want him to bat first. I want him to be fresh with the ball. I was ready.” “” Paine told ESPN’s “Around the Wicket.”
“I want him to succeed as an opener. I think he can do that. There is no doubt about that. He’s good enough to hit anywhere, but as an opposing player I can’t do that.” “I want him.” I’m at the top because that brings out the best in me. I have a chance to get rid of him.
Australian coach Andrew MacDonald supported Smith despite his dismal debut. He said that although Cameron Green had performed well as the club’s number four, the team’s managers were not considering a move for him.