Steve Smith as Opener for Australia in T20Is
Steve Smith is going to start the batting when Australia plays against South Africa in a T20 series. This gives him a good chance to team up with David Warner for the upcoming World Cup.
Steve Smith is going to start the batting when Australia plays against South Africa in a T20 series. This gives him a good chance to team up with David Warner for the upcoming World Cup.
This is a big change for Smith, who wasn't picked to play much in Australia's T20 team in the last World Cup.
Usually, Smith bats in the middle order, but recently he showed his skills as an opener for the Sydney Sixers in a short tournament called the Big Bash League. He played really well and scored two centuries.
The people who choose the team, led by George Bailey, saw this and thought Smith should get the chance to open in international matches too. This is important because Aaron Finch, who used to open, retired.
Bailey said, "Smith will open in South Africa, and he's the one we wanted to give this chance to. He did great in the Big Bash, and we want to see him do the same internationally."
Smith can prove himself before the 2024 World Cup. Warner won't be playing in the T20 series against South Africa, so someone like Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis, or new player Matthew Short might open with Smith.
Aaron Finch's retirement also means a new captain for the T20 team, and Mitchell Marsh got this role because he's been performing well.
Bailey mentioned, "We're excited to see Marsh lead the team. He's great for the team's culture, and we're looking forward to his tactics."
Overall, Steve Smith has a big opportunity to shine as an opener for Australia in T20 cricket, and his performance will be watched closely as the team prepares for the World Cup.
What's Your Reaction?
