Tue. Nov 5th, 2024
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A reinvigorated Steve Smith says he has not considered what it would mean for his future if the move to Test opener does not pay off for Australia.

Three days out from the first Test against the West Indies, Smith’s life at the top of the order began when he faced the new ball in the Adelaide Oval nets on Sunday. 

One of Australia’s greatest batters, Smith revealed he first flagged the idea of replacing the retiring David Warner as opener during last year’s Ashes.

He mentioned it again last month, but did not believe the idea was taken seriously until talking with coaches during the SCG Test against Pakistan.

Undecided at first, selectors have been won over by a history of players succeeding when going to the top.

But the move doesn’t come without risk.

And the question remains that if Smith does not succeed and Cameron Green excels at number four, what would it mean for the former captain’s place in the side?

“I don’t like thinking that way,” Smith said.

“I don’t want to think negative thoughts at all. I’m not sure.

“If someone gets injured in the middle and the next batters in are genuine openers, then maybe they slot back in (at the top) and I go back down.

“I don’t know the answer. But for right now we’ve got what we believe is our best six batters playing.”

Steve Smith reacts after being hit in the stomach by a delivery
Steve Smith is hoping he will face less short-pitched bowling after moving up the order.(Getty Images: Mark Evans)

Smith does see significant upside in the move, having only dropped down from number three to number four in 2017 to juggle the demands of captaincy.

The 34-year-old believes he is at his best against the new ball. He averages 106.2 when walking to the wicket in the first two overs.

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