ADELAIDE, Australia, CMC – Marquee batsman Steve Smith says he is champing at the bit for his first taste of action at the top of the order when Australia takes on West Indies in the opening Test starting here Wednesday.
Australian batsman Steve Smith.
The 34-year-old, the country’s leading batsman in the most extended format, opted to move up to the opening slot from the middle order following last week’s retirement of veteran left-hander David Warner.
“I am [excited]. I like facing the newer ball,” said Smith, who has amassed 9 514 runs from 105 Tests.
“I think you look back to [the] 2019 Ashes. I was in pretty early there, mostly facing the new ball.
“I batted number three for several years, was in early, and did pretty well against the new ball.
“So it’s nothing new or foreign to me. I enjoy getting in and amongst it and look forward to that challenge.”
Smith averages a phenomenal 150 in seven Tests against West Indies, his best of 200 not outscored in Perth the last time the Caribbean side toured two years ago.
And while former stars have warned against the move, the retiring Aaron Finch backed Smith to succeed.
“When you’ve been one of the greatest players of all time, I think he’ll find it easier than most,” Finch argued.
“Initially, when it was floated, I didn’t think it was the right idea. But the more I think about it, the more it makes sense.”
West Indies have not won a single Test against the Aussies in 21 years and have not had a series of successes against their rivals in three decades.
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