Steve Smith tipped to be world’s No.1 opener within 12 months if he moves up the order
Former Australian team captain Michael Clarke believes Steve Smith could become the world’s best Test opener within a year if he is promoted to the top of the order for Australia after retirement of David Warner.
The crucial decision on who will replace David Warner as Usman Khawaja’s opening partner is reportedly down to Steve Smith and Cameron Green. While there are some news that the potential replacement can be between Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft.
This means specialist openers Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw are all set to be overlooked in favor of someone with little experience at the top of the order.
READ MORE: Steve Smith Bids to Replace Warner at the Top
Aussie selectors have been keen to get Green back into the side after he lost his place in the middle order to Mitch Marsh during the Ashes last year.
And Steve Smith emerged as a last-minute option last week before stating that he would love a new challenge to open the batting.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, selectors have narrowed down the contenders to Smith and Green and are set to make a decision on Tuesday night.
Discussing the situation on Monday, former Test captain Clarke said he had no doubts that Smith would thrive as an opener.
“If he wants to open the batting and they give him the chance, he will be the No.1 Test opener within 12 months,” he said on ESPN.
“He is that good a player. He is technically good enough, he lets the ball go well, he’s got a great eye, he’s got beautiful hands.
“Yes, he might nick the occasional one, he might get lbw but tell me someone that doesn’t. He is that good a player, and maybe it is the challenge he is looking for.”
Michael Clarke also made the staggering claim that Brain Lara’s world record score of 400 would be in danger if Smith was to open.
“Smith doesn’t want to wait. He doesn’t want Warner or Khawaja to make a hundred, or Marnus to make a double hundred,” he added.
“He wants to make a double hundred. So if he open the batting, he will be the best opener within 12 months and the other thing, don’t be surprised if he breaks Brian Lara’s 400 record. Because he is that good and he’s got the whole day.”
It remains to be seen whether Smith will be given the opportunity to open the batting for Australia, but there is no doubt that he has the talent to be successful at the top of the order.
Only time will tell if he can fulfill Clarke’s bold prediction and become the world’s No.1 opener, but one thing is for sure: Smith’s move to the top of the order would be an exciting prospect for Australian cricket fans.
