‘Wouldn’t want to sacrifice the second-greatest ever Test batsman’ – Usman Khawaja on Steve Smith taking Test opener role

Steve Smith. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

Ever since David Warner announced that the home Test series against Pakistan will be his last, the cricket world has been speculating who could replace him at the top of the order. The diminutive batter went out on a high, scoring a half-century in his final Test innings in Sydney as Australia won the Test series 3-0 to give the southpaw a fitting farewell.

Even a couple of months ago, there were only three primary contenders for the all-important spot. Performances of specialist openers – Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, and Matt Renshaw were being monitored. However, in recent times, new possibilities have opened up with middle-order specialists like Cameron Green and Steve Smith throwing their hats in the ring.

Young all-rounder Green had to remain on the bench in Australia’s recent matches after Mitchell Marsh started churning out runs consistently, batting at No. 6. There is also a possibility of No. 3 batter Marnus Labuschagne moving to the top to accommodate Green in the middle. Meanwhile, Warner recently stated that Smith’s adaptability and skills could make him a successful Test opener. However, the least disruption would be caused if Green is slotted in as the opener.

Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald hinted at the idea of backing a non-specialist opener in an interview with ABC last month, pointing out Australia’s history where makeshift openers have done well for them in Test cricket.

In the last 70 years, Usman Khawaja, Bob Simpson and six other Australian batters have moved to the top of the order after starting their careers in the middle. Only one out of these eight players – Greg Blewett – could not better the average after receiving a promotion in the batting order.

Khawaja, Justin Langer, Shane Watson, Simon Katich, David Boon, Keith Stackpole and Simpson are seven players who batted in the middle order in five or more Tests before moving to the top. All of them performed better as openers.

Despite that, the opinions are divided on who should be Warner’s successor. Khawaja, one of the obvious stakeholders of the decision, called for caution, suggesting that he would not want a settled batter to be sacrificed in adjustment.

“I say it’s a specialist position in brackets, but anyone who can bat in the top four can open,” Khawaja was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. “I just wouldn’t want to sacrifice someone who is in my opinion the second-greatest ever Test batsman off the position that he’s been batting in for so long. The beauty of Steve Smith is he’s a beautiful No.4 batsman. He can bat against pace. He’s really good against spin.”

The selectors will name the squad for the forthcoming two-match home Test series against the West Indies on January 10. Cricket enthusiasts might get a hint as to who could be Khawaja’s new opening partner in the absence of Warner. The first Test will be played in Adelaide from January 17.