NEW DELHI: Former Australian captain
Tim Paine
has weighed in on the debate surrounding Steve Smith's position in the batting order following his recent Test performance.
Smith's challenges as an opener were evident during the two-Test series against
New Zealand
, where he managed just 51 runs across four innings.
Speaking to ESPN's Around The Wicket, Paine expressed his support for Smith's potential as an opener while acknowledging his recent struggles.
"I would love to see him succeed as an opener, I think he can, there's no doubt about that, he's good enough to bat anywhere, but as an opposition player I want him at the top of the order because that gives me the best chance of getting him out," Paine remarked, highlighting Smith's versatility as a batsman.
Paine's comments shed light on Smith's broader batting capabilities, suggesting that he is "good enough to bat anywhere." However, Paine also admitted to preferring Smith at the top of the order, emphasizing the strategic advantage it presents for opposing teams.
"If I'm the opposition, I want him opening the batting. I want my best bowlers at their freshest with a brand new ball. I was in that
Ashes
in 2019 and went to England with him in another one and when he was at his best batting at four you just felt he couldn't get out," Paine explained, citing the challenge of facing Smith with the new ball. He further recalled the difficulty of dismissing Smith during the 2019 Ashes series when he batted at number four.
Despite Smith's remarkable record at number four, boasting 19 centuries and 26 fifties in 67 Tests, Paine agreed that deploying him as an opener could provide a tactical edge for
Australia
's opponents.
Looking ahead, Australia's focus shifts to the
ICC T20 World Cup
, slated to commence on June 1 in the West Indies and the USA. Positioned in Group B alongside England, Oman, Namibia, and Scotland, Australia will commence their campaign against Oman on June 5.
(With inputs from ANI)
English (US) ·