Australian skipper Pat Cummins sheds light on Steve Smith’s eagerness for a new challenge as the former Test captain gears up to open the innings in Test cricket at the age of 34. Smith, known for his stellar career and remarkable average at No.3 and No.4, expressed a desire to fill David Warner’s opening slot. Cummins reveals that Smith’s enthusiasm for this fresh challenge has brought a new level of excitement and energy to the team.
Seeing someone who has basically achieved everything in the game get really excited for a new challenge, you’ve got to entertain that, Cummins stated, highlighting Smith’s renewed vigor during practice sessions. The decision to promote Smith to the opening position came ahead of the first Test against West Indies in Adelaide, a move that aims to infuse dynamism into the team.
I’ve never seen him as happy and as energetic as I’ve seen him around the nets the last couple of days. He can’t wait to get out there. Also think the new ball, maybe (there will be) a few more scoring options. It’s something that excites him. So that makes sense and getting Greeny a spot where we think he is set up to succeed.
Cummins emphasized that Smith’s joy and energy are palpable in the nets, with the batsman eagerly exploring different strategies to approach his new role. The skipper noted that the prospect of facing the new ball could offer Smith additional scoring options, further contributing to the team’s tactical lineup. Cameron Green’s inclusion at No.4 provides Australia with a sixth bowling option, enhancing the team’s overall balance.
We love what they both are doing in first-class cricket, Cummins said. “We love what they bring to any side they’re playing in. They’re doing all the right things. Unfortunately, they both just missed out on this one. So message was don’t change.
“In international cricket there’s always injuries or these guys aren’t going to be around forever. Marcus (Harris) and Cam (Bancroft) are still relatively young, as is Renners (Renshaw). So once that opening comes up at some point, any one of them we’re confident can jump straight in and do a really good job.”
Australia’s XI for the first Test includes Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood. On the West Indies side, Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, and Kemar Roach form the playing XI.
Despite the attention on Cameron Bancroft’s exclusion, Cummins emphasized that the doors remain open for Bancroft and Marcus Harris. Cummins assured that both Bancroft and Harris, who missed selection for this match, are valuable assets for the team, and their chances will come in the future. Cummins reiterated the importance of consistency and encouraged the players to maintain their form in first-class cricket.
The first Test between Australia and West Indies promises excitement, with both teams revealing their lineups. While Australia aims to leverage Smith’s bold move, West Indies introduces three debutants, adding an element of anticipation to the series opener.