Don’t be surprised if Steve Smith breaks Brian Lara’s 400 record: Michael Clarke

In a bold move that could potentially reshape Australia’s Test cricket dynamics, former captain Michael Clarke is backing the idea of Steve Smith opening the innings. Smith himself has expressed interest in this role following David Warner’s retirement, a suggestion originally proposed by former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson.

Cricket Australia has a pool of options in Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw, and Will Pucovski from the domestic circuit. However, the notion of Smith opening alongside Usman Khawaja hasn’t received unanimous support. Clarke, however, aligns with Watson’s viewpoint, asserting that the challenge of opening might be the spark Smith needs to rejuvenate his career as the star batter has been grappling with form issues.

“If he wants to do it, I think they will allow him to do it. Listening to Patty Cummins’ quotes, I think it’s a simple swap. I think Cameron Green is going to come in to open the batting for David Warner unless Steve Smith wants to do it. If he does, they might go Steve Smith to open and Cam Green at No.4 or Green to No.6,” Clarke said on ESPN’s Around the Wicket Podcast

Clarke takes it a step further, suggesting that if Smith embraces the opening role, he could surpass Brian Lara’s record for the highest individual Test score.

“He [Smith] is that good a player. It might be that challenge he’s looking for. If he opens, he will be the best opener within 12 months. Don’t be surprised if he breaks Brian Lara’s 400 record because he’s that good and now he’s got the whole day,” Clarke added.

I’m actually happy to go up the top: Steven Smith

Smith, who has never opened in Test cricket, seems enthusiastic about the prospect. Speaking to ABC Radio after the Day three of the Sydney Test against Pakistan, he stated,

“I’m actually happy to go up the top. I am pretty keen if that is what they want to do. I’m sure the selectors and ‘Ron’ (coach Andrew McDonald) and Patty (captain Pat Cummins) will have a chat after this game, but I am certainly interested. For sure,” Smith said.

This potential reshuffling could also see Cameron Green stepping into Smith’s current no. 4 position, offering Australia flexibility with both Mitchell Marsh and Green in the playing XI. As discussions unfold among selectors, coach Andrew McDonald, and captain Pat Cummins, the cricketing world waits to see if Smith will indeed take on the challenge of opening the innings in Test cricket.