AB de Villiers Disapproves of Steve Smith as Test Opener: Steve Smith’s declaration of his intention to open for Australia in Test cricket has kickstarted a debate. Despite the confirmation from the chair of selectors George Bailey that Smith will replace David Warner as Australia’s red-ball opener, the move has faced criticism from pundits around the world.
‘Don’t Agree With This’- AB de Villiers Disapproves of Steve Smith as Test Opener
Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers, in his latest YouTube video, suggested that Steve Smith may not be the best candidate to fill the opening position for Australia following the retirement of David Warner from Test cricket last week. De Villiers shared his views as Cricket Australia continues its search for a suitable long-term replacement for Warner.
Australia clinched a 3-0 whitewash triumph over Pakistan in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, marking a successful farewell Test series for David Warner. In his final innings, Warner notched up a score of 57, paving the way for Australia’s stylish commencement of the summer season. The team is now set to face West Indies in a 2-match Test series, commencing on January 17 in Adelaide.
On Wednesday morning, reports emerged confirming that the Australian management has sanctioned the decision for Steve Smith to open alongside Usman Khawaja in the upcoming Test series against West Indies. This tactical change is slated to be implemented in the forthcoming matches.
Cricket Australia also revealed the squad for the upcoming series, marking the return of Cameron Green and Matt Renshaw. Despite earlier speculations regarding their potential roles as replacements for Warner and opening partners, Fox Cricket has confirmed that neither Green nor Renshaw will be taking up the opening positions. Instead, they are likely to be slotted into the middle order.
Cricket Australia’s choice to have Steve Smith open the innings has stirred mixed reactions on social media.
Meanwhile, AB de Villiers has expressed disagreement, suggesting that it might diminish Australia’s strength in the middle order. De Villiers added that if Smith doesn’t perform well in the opening role, it could lead to significant backlash and ultimately be a loss for Australian cricket. He said:
“I don’t know if I agree with this (Smith opening). Where has he got the most success in the past ten years and the highest average of all batters in the past ten years? He has won so many games for Australia. When bowlers pick up 2-3 early wickets, they still know they have to get past Steve Smith, or else he will win the game for his side,”
The Biggest move in Test cricket.
Steve Smith will open for Australia in Tests. [Fox Cricket] pic.twitter.com/MTYNbOEcGw
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 10, 2024
He added: “Smith has a big match temperament. But now if you throw him up the order, suddenly he gets two good nuts and two ducks, he is suddenly not playing an integral part of the glue holding the Australian middle order together. I wouldn’t agree with that, but it is upto Cricket Australia to make the decision,”
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