Aaron Finch has called for an end to the experiment of Steve Smith as an opener in the Australian Test cricket team, urging selectors to focus on picking the best available side. Smith took up the role last summer, stepping in for David Warner following the veteran opener’s retirement from Test cricket.
However, Smith’s performance in the opening slot was less than stellar, managing only one notable score against the West Indies at the Gabba.
Over eight innings against the West Indies and New Zealand, Smith scored a mere 171 runs with an average of 28.25, significantly below his career average of 56.97. In the series against New Zealand alone, Smith’s average plummeted to 12.75 across four innings.
His stint as an opener, while allowing Cameron Green to return to the team without forcing Mitch Marsh out, has not been a success. Green capitalized on his opportunity, scoring an unbeaten 174 against New Zealand, while Marsh contributed 80 runs in a crucial partnership with Alex Carey.
Despite these developments, both Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne have publicly expressed their preference for Smith to bat at No. 4, a sentiment echoed by Finch.
“I was a little bit surprised at the time (with Smith opening). Just such a drastic change for such a great player, I think,” Finch told 7News. He acknowledged the rationale behind Smith’s promotion but believes it’s time for him to return to his usual position, given his remarkable career average.
Finch also suggested Travis Head as a potential opener for the Test side, citing his aggressive style and success in white-ball cricket. “He’s aggressive, he takes it on,” Finch said. Head’s ability to perform under pressure, especially against formidable teams like India, makes him an appealing option.
However, if selectors decide to revert Smith to No. 4 and end the opening experiment, it may force them to make tough decisions regarding team composition.
While Travis Head appears to be Finch’s preferred choice, other options like promoting Green or choosing a traditional opener such as Cameron Bancroft or Matthew Renshaw could also be considered, potentially leading to a reshuffle or even a drop for some players in the lineup.
