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[Saba Sports News] Australia batter Steve Smith has recently taken on the role of opener in Test cricket, filling the void left by David Warner. Despite criticism surrounding his changed batting position, the Sydney-born has staunchly defended his performance.
In the four innings he has played as an opener for Australia thus far in the Test format, Smith’s scores stand at 12, 11*, 6 and an impressive 91*, boasting an average of 60.
Smith has responded to critics such as Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh, who questioned his unorthodox batting style against the swing and seam movement of the new cherry.
“There was a lot of commentary around I’d failed in two or three innings or whatever it was. I had a not-out and two low scores. And now I think I’m averaging 60 as an opener. I didn’t really read too much into it. It was just another position. I’ve batted against a new ball numerous times coming in early,” said Smith as quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald.
Furthermore, the No.3 ranked ICC Test batsman, reflected on a pivotal moment in the second Test at The Gabba against the West Indies. He mentioned his decision to give the strike to Josh Hazelwood when two balls were left of Shamar Joseph’s over, who had already taken six wickets, with just nine more runs needed for Australia to win.
However, the 34-year-old admitted that adhering to the traditional way ultimately cost Australia the match as the West Indies scripted history by clinching a victory in Australia after 27 years.
“I’ve thought about it; whether we could do different things. Maybe, I could have taken five balls against Shamar [Joseph], he was on fire, obviously. But then I run the risk of not getting a run off the last ball and Hoff having to take all six from Alzarri [Joseph], who’s a pretty good bowler as well. You can weigh those things up. Four/two is the traditional way to do things, I suppose, and it felt right at the time. But yeah, it wasn’t to be,” Smith added.