• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Putting all speculations to rest, Australia chief selector George Bailey on Wednesday confirmed that Steve Smith will replace David Warner for the opener's role in the upcoming Test series against West Indies.

Warner recently announced his retirement from Test cricket after Australia's 3-0 whitewash against Pakistan at Sydney Cricket Ground last week. Smith will partner with Usman Khawaja at the top to open innings for Australia in red-ball format.

Smith has a prolific record as middle order batter, scoring 9.514 runs in 105 Tests at an average of 58.01. He has slammed 32 centuries and 40 fifties in the format.

ALSO READ | India Selectors Discuss 'Role Clarity' With Virat Kohli Ahead Of Afghanistan T20Is: Report

“Steve’s obviously motivated and energized and keen to do it. There were plenty within the team who were pretty keen to go on record and say that they weren’t keen to do it. So it was refreshing that Steve had come forward and said he wanted it and it was something that we’d been chatting about in the background as a selection panel with the coaches as well,” Chairman of selectors Bailey said.

Earlier, Australia coach Andrew McDonald and skipper Pat Cummins hinted that Warner's role will be filled by promoting the middle order batter up in the order.

ALSO READ: Steve Smith To Lead Australia In ODIs Against West Indies As Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh Rested

However, Smith has outside competition from Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Matt Renshaw for the new batting role.

With Smith becoming Usman Khawaja's new opening partner, all-rounder Green will get a spot in the middle order along with Mitchell Marsh.

“Opportunity to slot Cam into a position where he’s had so much success at first-class level and we think ultimately, is a great spot for him to be in the Test team,” Bailey said.

Opening batter Matt Renshaw has also been added to Australia's Test squad for the West Indies series.

Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.