'Opener' Smith can break Lara's 400 record: Clarke

NEW DELHI: Former

Australia

captain

Michael Clarke

has shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate surrounding the replacement of

David Warner

as the opening batter for the national team.
As the selectors prepare to announce the squad for the first Test against West Indies, the focus has shifted from selecting a specialist opener to finding a way to incorporate all-rounder

Cameron Green

or potentially allowing Steve Smith to take on the opening role.

Clarke expressed confidence in Smith's ability, suggesting that if given the opportunity to open, the former captain could ascend to become the world's best

Test opener

within a year.

In an appearance on ESPN's Around The Wicket show, Clarke emphasized Smith's technical prowess, his capability to judge deliveries, and his excellent hand-eye coordination.
"If he [Smith] wants to open the batting and they give him the chance, he'll be the No. 1 Test opener within 12 months," Clarke stated, highlighting Smith's potential in the opening position.
"He's that good a player. If you can bat at three you can bat anywhere in the order. Technically he's good enough, lets the ball go well, he's got a great eye, got beautiful hands. Yes, he might nick the occasional one or might get lbw but tell me someone who doesn't. So if he opens the batting he'll be the best opener within 12 months. [And] don't be surprised if he breaks

Brian Lara

's 400 record because he's that good and now he's got the whole day," Clarke said.
However, Clarke noted that recent comments from captain

Pat Cummins

indicate a preference for minimal disruptions to the current batting order. Consequently, Clarke sees Cameron Green as the more probable option to fill Warner's opening slot.
"It sounds from what Patty says, he wants the least amount of disruptions as possible. So that tells me that Cameron Green at this stage is probably the likeliest to come in and open the batting," Clarke added.
While Smith has never opened in Test or first-class cricket, he has expressed his willingness to embrace the challenge.
Callum Ferguson, a former Australia batter, endorsed Smith's potential success in the opening role, stating, "If it was Steve Smith coming to you and saying I want to open the batting, I think he's looking for a challenge, that next motivation and inspiration in his career, and honestly if he took to that job I think he'd do it better than anyone else."

(With inputs from agencies)