Adelaide
In a strategic move, chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that premier Australia batter Steven Smith will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja in the upcoming first Test against West Indies at the Adelaide Oval starting January 17. This decision also allows for the inclusion of fast-bowling all-rounder Cameron Green, who will bat at number four in the playing eleven. Bailey stated that the move to promote Smith to the top of the order was motivated by the batsman himself, especially after David Warner’s retirement from Test cricket. The chief selector expressed excitement about Smith’s enthusiasm for the new role, emphasizing the selfless nature of the decision. Steve Smith will be opening the batting, and Cameron Green will be coming into the No 4 position, which is fantastic. We have selected a team we believe contains the best six batters in the country. For all intents and purposes, this is where Steve wants to stay, said Bailey. Smith’s willingness to take on a new challenge and energize himself for the opportunity is seen as a positive aspect by the selectors. Bailey believes that this move could provide longevity to Smith’s career in the format. The decision to open with Smith also facilitates the entry of Cameron Green at number four, where he has previously found success for Western Australia. The selectors view Green as a talented player who deserves an opportunity in the Test format. In addition to the main squad, Matthew Renshaw has been named as a spare batter. Notably, Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft were left out of the Test squad. Bailey clarified that overlooking Bancroft was solely a cricket decision and had nothing to do with his involvement in the 2018 Cape Town ball-tampering controversy.
