‘We’ll consider all options’ – Andrew McDonald after Steve Smith expresses interest in Test opener role

Andrew McDonald of the Thunder looks on during the Big Bash League match between the Sydney Thunder and the Sydney Sixers at ANZ Stadium. (Photo by Brett Hemmings – CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images)

Former Australia skipper Steve Smith has expressed his desire to open alongside Usman Khawaja in Test cricket. After David Warner announced his retirement from the longest format, all three specialised openers – Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw – were put on notice. At the same time, the team management has an eye on Cameron Green, hoping to send him to the top of the order in the coming times.

Reacting to Smith’s desire to open in Test cricket, head coach Andrew McDonald stated that all the cricketers will be considered for the role. He added that Smith has done well at No. 3 and 4, which is why  he is hesitant to shift Smith to the top of the order.

“(Steve) had some strong thoughts, he’s made those public. So we’ll consider all options. It’s nice to have him putting his hand up. I think there were a few others that weren’t putting their hand up. But Steve at No.3 or No.4 is pretty appetising also. You’ve got to make sure you’re not removing the strengths of the team in the search to fill a gap also. So there’s a balance within that,” McDonald was quoted as saying by The West Australian.

We know Green has got those gears: Andrew McDonald

McDonald expressed that he is interested in seeing Green as a Test opener. The 42-year-old mentioned that the all-rounder is underrated but has the calibre to succeed as a red-ball opener. 

“I think Cameron Green is potentially underrated in the way that he can play Test level as well. He’s only young in his cricketing career and we’ve seen what he’s been able to do in white-ball cricket. In particular T20. We know he’s got those gears. We know that he can play the high and the low. He’s arguably in our best line up depending on which way we go,” McDonald said.

Notably, the chief selectors will soon sit to finalise Australia’s squad for the upcoming Test series against West Indies and more is expected to come to light after the squad announcement.