3 Potential Openers for Australia to Replace Steve Smith in Tests
Steve Smith’s stint as a Test opener hasn’t lived up to expectations. Here are three possible openers Australia may consider as they gear up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Steve Smith’s performance as a Test opener has not been up to expectations, averaging only 28 runs from eight innings. While the idea of Smith replacing David Warner seemed promising, his returns have been below par, scoring just 171 runs in four matches, with only one notable knock of 91* against the West Indies at Gabba.
As the important Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 approaches, it’s uncertain whether Steve Smith will continue opening for Australia against India. The selectors have hinted that the current domestic openers aren’t among the country’s top six batters, raising the question of who might take the opening spot.
Three Potential Openers for Australia Instead of Steve Smith:
1. Cameron Green
Before Steve Smith took over as an opener, Cameron Green was considered a top contender to fill Warner’s spot. Green even practiced facing the new ball during Warner’s final Test. Green, known for his medium-pace bowling, seemed set to return to the XI after Warner’s retirement. However, Smith took the opener role, and Green slid into the No. 4 spot, performing well with 174 runs against New Zealand. If Steve Smith returns to No. 4, Green could step up to open, similar to how Shane Watson, another seam-bowling all-rounder, opened for Australia in the past. This swap would keep the rest of the lineup unchanged.
2. Marnus Labuschagne
Another option for Australia is swapping Labuschagne and Steve Smith’s positions. Labuschagne has opened 15 times in First-Class cricket, averaging 34.86 with two centuries. Though he typically bats at No. 3, he often comes in early, essentially acting as an opener. Steve Smith, on the other hand, has excelled at No. 3, with eight Test centuries and an average of 67.07 in that spot. This switch could benefit both players without disrupting the order too much.
3. Travis Head
Australia might consider a bold move by promoting Travis Head to open. Head has been in exceptional form, both in white-ball formats as an opener and in the middle order for Test cricket. However, opening in Test cricket is challenging, as it involves facing the best bowlers with a fresh ball. While Head’s aggressive style mirrors Warner’s, his inconsistency makes this a risky option. Nonetheless, it’s a possibility Australia could explore, though it’s uncertain how effective it would be.