NEW DELHI: As Australia gear up for the series opener against West Indies at Adelaide Oval, all eyes are on newly-promoted opener Steve Smith, who is set to take on a more attacking role at the top of the order.
Following the emotional farewell to David Warner in the last Test against Pakistan, Smith has taken the bold step of challenging the Caribbean attack to waste the new ball by delivering short-pitched deliveries to him.
Smith, known for his technical and analytical approach to the game, has voluntarily moved up the order from No. 4 to open alongside Usman Khawaja. This strategic shift will see Smith facing the new ball, aiming to capitalize on attacking fields and exploit scoring opportunities, similar to Warner's aggressive style that characterized his illustrious 112-Test career.
Expressing his daring approach, Smith stated, "It’s pretty game, I suppose, with a brand new ball; bowling short stuff and wasting it. I think it helps the scoring rate for sure when you’re facing the new ball and there’s a bit more attacking going on."
The move is expected to bring a change in Smith's scoring dynamics, allowing him to be more aggressive and take advantage of the attacking fields early in the innings. Smith acknowledged that batting lower down the order in recent years often led to facing more deliveries to accumulate runs, and he anticipates a shift with the new role.
In other team developments, all-rounder Cameron Green will make his first Test appearance since the Ashes series in England last June. Green, who has been recalled to the starting XI, is set to bat at the No. 4 spot vacated by Smith. The 24-year-old expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized his comfort at the No. 4 position, where he feels he can settle in and play his natural game.
Australia's dominance in recent Tests, particularly the 3-0 sweep over Pakistan, has set the stage for the West Indies to break their Test winless streak in Australia since 1997. The visitors, who have added seven uncapped players to their squad, face the challenge of overcoming Australia's formidable Test record.
The second and final Test in the series will be a day-night match at the Gabba in Brisbane, scheduled to begin on January 25.
(With inputs from AP)
