Clarke supports Smith to begin the innings for Australia in Tests -“Don’t be surprised if he breaks Lara’s 400 record because he’s that good”.
Clarke supports Smith to begin the innings for Australia in Tests
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes Steve Smith should be free to begin the innings in Tests if he likes.
Following David Warner’s retirement, the ace batsman voiced a desire to bat at number one, an idea first suggested by former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson.
Cricket Australia’s domestic alternatives include Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw, and Will Pucovski.
Few people have expressed support for Smith to open the innings alongside Usman Khawaja.
Clarke, on the other hand, concurred with Watson’s assessment that opening the innings may be just the challenge Smith needs, the spark that could entirely revitalize his late-career years.
“I’m actually happy to go up the top” – Steve Smith
Steve Smith has never opened the batting in Test cricket. And if he is promoted to this level, Cameron Green is expected to take his place at No.4.
On the domestic circuit, the all-rounder plays the same position for Western Australia. This allows Australia to have Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green in the playing XI.
The ace hitter has been trying to score big for a long time. And his dismissive approach has been, to put it mildly, frustrating.
Clarke went so far as to claim that if Smith debuts for Australia in Tests. He will shatter Brian Lara’s record for highest individual score in the format.