Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine has responded to remarks made by Michael Clarke regarding Steve Smith’s role as a T20 opener in the upcoming South Africa series. Paine emphasized that the selection panel led by George Bailey has given Smith an opportunity to carry his successful T20 opening batting style into international cricket.
For the first time, Steve Smith will be opening the batting for Australia in the T20I series against South Africa. This marks a significant shift for him, as he had only appeared once in the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup and had achieved just one fifty in his last 23 T20I innings.
However, Smith showcased his T20 skills with consecutive centuries while playing for the Sydney Sixers in the previous season’s Big Bash League (BBL). This remarkable performance paved the way for his return to Australia’s T20I lineup. Despite this, Michael Clarke expressed his surprise, noting that Smith does not even have a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Tim Paine addressed this by acknowledging Steve Smith’s greatness as a player but also pointing out his recent struggles. “Steve Smith, a truly great player, was not in good form leading up to the World Cup. His performances were under scrutiny, especially after the Dubai World Cup in 2021. People were questioning his place in the team.”
Paine further explained, “At that time, he was replaced by Tim David, a move that most people accepted. If we delve deeper into his performance, he averaged in the low 20s with a very slow strike rate in his 20 innings before that. Considering he was expected to bat in the middle order, this performance did not fit the requirements.”
“Now, the circumstances are different,” Paine continued. He highlighted Smith’s outstanding performance in the 12th season of the Big Bash League, where he played just five matches but maintained an impressive average of 86.5. Additionally, with Aaron Finch’s retirement, there is an opening at the top of the order.
Paine addressed the situation, stating, “The change in circumstances is not embarrassing. There’s a spot available since Aaron Finch retired. Following Finch’s retirement, Steve Smith, despite his past T20 struggles, excelled as an opening batsman in the Big Bash League. He demanded a place in Aaron Finch’s spot, potentially ahead of Travis Head, who was another option for opening.”
Paine concluded by explaining, “To label this situation as embarrassing isn’t accurate. The reasons why Smith wasn’t playing earlier are clear. Now he has an opportunity in South Africa to bring his successful T20 opening form to international cricket. If he succeeds, he’ll continue to play. Otherwise, players like Travis Head might vie for his position.”
In this way, the South Africa series presents Steve Smith with a chance to demonstrate his T20 opening skills on the international stage. Tim Paine’s insights shed light on the rationale behind Smith’s selection and the changing dynamics within the Australian T20 lineup.
-IANS
