David Warner’s retirement from Test Cricket has created a new void in Australian cricket. Usman Khawaja needs a new opening partner and there are reports that Steve Smith could be the man.
Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke has backed Steve Smith to do the job. The 34-year-old currently bats at number four and has an impeccable record. The Sydney Test versus Pakistan marked David Warner’s last game in whites.
Australia won the game comfortably and went on to win the series 3-0. With this win, the Pat Cummins-led side have become the new number 1 Test side. The current WTC title holder has also displaced India from the top slot in the current points table.
Michael Clarke backs Steve Smith to break major record
Steve Smith is likely to be elevated to the Test opening slot. Michael Clarke the former Australian skipper has backed this move and put his weight behind Smith becoming the opener.
Michael Clarke has also backed Steve Smith to break the 400-run mark of Brian Lara. The former West Indian great is the only player in the history of Test Cricket to reach the mark. Matthew Hayden’s 380-run score stood just a few months before Lara created a new record.
Speaking to the media the former Aussie skipper said, “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 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,”
The 42-year-old also said, “I’ll tell you now about Steve Smith. 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 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.”
