NEW DELHI:
Australia
's Test team is set for a major shakeup as Steve Smith takes over the opening position alongside
Usman Khawaja
, succeeding
David Warner
, ahead of the upcoming two-match series against West Indies.
This announcement was made by selector George Bailey on Wednesday, addressing the media as the team prepares for the series later this month.
Following Warner's retirement, speculations arose regarding potential replacements, with Smith and all-rounder
Cameron Green
emerging as frontrunners for the vacant opener spot.
Bailey confirmed the decision, stating, "There were plenty within the team who were pretty keen to go on record and say that they weren't keen to do it. So it was refreshing that Steve had come forward and said he wanted it."
Bailey praised Smith's willingness to embrace a new challenge, describing the move as "selfless" given Smith's successful stint in the middle order. The 34-year-old batsman will now shift from his usual number four position to open the innings.
Cricket Australia announced earlier in the day that Cameron Green would play in the first Test against West Indies, batting at number four. Bailey explained the decision, stating, "The way the rest of that batting order is functioning left us feeling we have someone who we think is pretty talented."
In addition to these changes, Matt Renshaw, whom Warner has touted as a potential successor, has been included in the squad. However, Sheffield Shield's leading run-scorer
Cameron Bancroft
has been omitted.
While there are significant alterations to the Test team, the one-day international series squad remains largely unchanged. Smith will captain the side in the absence of
Pat Cummins
and Mitchell Marsh. Lance Morris, the Western Australia bowler, earns his first ODI call-up, while Jhye Richardson returns to the squad. Notably, Marcus Stoinis, part of Australia's World Cup-winning squad in India, misses out.
The Test series against West Indies commences at Adelaide Oval on Jan. 17 before moving to the Gabba in Brisbane from Jan. 25. The one-day international series will follow the Test matches.
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Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.
Australia ODI squad: Steve Smith (captain), Travis Head, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Adam Zampa.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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