Steve Smith should be slotted as an opener in Australia’s ODI setup, according to legendary cricketer Adam Gilchrist. With Australia grappling with selection challenges ahead of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, Gilchrist believes that promoting Smith to the opening position would be the ideal move to ensure he faces maximum deliveries.
Gilchrist’s Thought Process
Australia recently endured a 2-0 ODI series loss in Sri Lanka, where Steve Smith, batting in the middle order, struggled to make a significant impact, scoring 12 and 29 in his outings. With several key players unavailable and Jake Fraser-McGurk’s inconsistency, Gilchrist sees an opportunity for Smith to reinvent his role.
“Smith is one of the best batteries in cricket in the world. Giving him more time at the crease could be a game-changer for Australia,” Gilchrist stated in a recent discussion.
The Need for a Solid Opening Pair
Australia’s batting lineup has relied heavily on Travis Head, but finding a stable partner at the top remains a selection dilemma. While Matt Short is an exciting prospect, Smith’s experience and adaptability could provide the stability required to navigate challenging conditions in Pakistan.
Why Smith as an Opener?
Gilchrist outlined several key reasons for promoting Steve Smith to the top:
- Maximizing Contributions: Smith is a player who thrives on facing more balls and building an innings.
- Experience in Tough Conditions: His ability to anchor the innings could be crucial in subcontinent conditions.
- Leadership Under Pressure: As a stand-in captain, leading from the front could bring confidence to the team.
- Alternative to Fraser-McGurk: Given the youngster’s inconsistent form, Smith provides a more reliable option.
Possible Opening Combination
With Travis Head being Australia’s first-choice opener, the question remains—who partners with him? Gilchrist suggested two primary combinations:
- Steve Smith & Travis Head – A mix of stability and aggression.
- Matt Short & Travis Head – An explosive top order with attacking intent.
“Matt Short is an interesting option too, but Smith at the top could be exactly what Australia needs,” Gilchrist added.
The Challenges Ahead
While Smith’s middle-order prowess is well-documented, opening in ODIs requires a different approach. Facing the new ball and adjusting to attacking bowlers early in the innings would be a new challenge for him.
Additionally, Australia’s coaching staff will need to evaluate whether this move aligns with the team’s broader strategy. With the Champions Trophy fast approaching, any major batting order shift will need careful deliberation and execution.
Final Thoughts
As Australia prepares for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, Gilchrist’s suggestion of Smith opening the innings has sparked an interesting debate. Whether selectors take this advice remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Australia must resolve their top-order uncertainties to be strong contenders in the tournament.
With time ticking down, the decision on Steve Smith’s role could be a defining factor in Australia’s title aspirations. Will they take a bold approach or stick to their traditional batting lineup? Only time will tell.
