‘I’m pretty keen’ – Steve Smith shows his eagerness to step in as Australia’s opener after David Warner’s retirement

Australia and Pakistan are currently playing the third and final Test in Sydney. This is David Warner’s last Test appearance as he is set to retire from the longest format of the game. The diminutive batter has also stated that he will not play ODI cricket anymore but can make a comeback if he is needed for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.

Several options are being discussed as to who could be Warner’s replacement in the Test arena. Openers Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, and Marcus Harris are in contention. Some experts have also opined that all-rounder Cameron Green could be inducted into the opening cauldron.

Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald also stated a few weeks ago that Labuschagne, who has been a consistent No. 3 batter for the world Test champions, could move up one spot to accommodate Green in the middle order. Now, a new possibility has popped up with the legendary Steve Smith expressing his interest in becoming Usman Khawaja’s opening partner. Besides, he indicated that he the final talk will happen between the skipper and head coach soon regarding the selection conundrum.

“I’m actually happy to go up the top. I’m pretty keen if that’s what they want to do. I’m sure the selectors and Ron [Andrew McDonald] and Patty [Cummins] will have a chat after this game but yeah, I’m certainly interested for sure,” Smith said while speaking to ABC Grandstand after the third day’s play between Australia and Pakistan in the third Test.

Steve Smith has lacked consistency for Australia in 2023

Steve Smith has had staggering records, batting at No. 3 and 4. As a No. 3 batter, Smith has an average of 67.07, scoring eight centuries. After he dropped down to No. 4, the right-handed batter scored his runs at an average of 61.46 with 19 centuries.

It is understood that Smith is seemingly looking forward to a fresh challenge to bounce back after finishing 2023 with an average of 42.22, which is quite low when compared to his lofty standards. He scored 929 runs and hit three centuries but the surreal consistency, which has been his trademark, was missing.

The selectors are expected to decide on Warner’s replacement after the completion of the third and final Test of the series. Notably, after the current home games, Australia’s next red-ball assignment is a two-match Test series against the West Indies at home. The first encounter begins on Wednesday, January 17, in Adelaide.