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With David Warner hanging his boots, the selectors have the headache to fill in the position of the opener he occupied for 13 years. Legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting has thrown his weight behind Cameron Bancroft, Warner has backed Marcus Harris whereas Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green have been in contention for the spot as well.
Meanwhile, a new contender has emerged who has never played the role of an opener in Test cricket but is very keen to try as Australia face West Indies in the home Test series. Former Australia captain Michael Clarke is thrilled about the idea of Smith opening in Tests and went on to say that Brian Lara’s record of 400 not out may be in danger if that happens.
"I'll tell you now about Steve Smith. If he wants to open the batting and they give him the chance, he will be the No. 1 Test opener within 12 months. He is that good a player. He is technically good enough, he lets the ball go well, he's got a great eye, he's got beautiful hands. Yes, he might nick the occasional one, he might get LBW but tell me someone that doesn't. He is that good a player, and maybe it is the challenge he is looking for," Clarke said on ESPN's Around the Wicket Podcast.
Smith has scored 9,514 runs from 105 Test at an average of 58.01 including 32 centuries and 40 half-centuries. 5,966 of these runs have come at no.4 position. The highest position he has batted at is no.3 where he has scored 1,744 runs. His highest individual score of 239 came against England in Ashes 2017-18.
"Smith doesn't want to wait. He doesn't want Warner or Khawaja to make a hundred, or Marnus to make a double hundred. He wants to make a double hundred. So if he open the batting, he will be the best opener within 12 months and the other thing, don't be surprised if he breaks Brian Lara's 400 record. Because he is that good and he's got the whole day," he added.
The two-Test series will begin on January 17. The first Test will be played at Adelaide Oval. Before that Smith will play a few games for Sydney Sixers in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 where he is likely to open the innings like last season.
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