Australia coach Andrew McDonald believes it is premature to pass judgment on Steve Smith as a test opener and has indicated that there are no plans to make changes to the batting order before India’s visit later this year.
Steve Smith, known as one of the top batsmen in the world over the past decade, took over the opening position from David Warner after Warner retired from tests in January. This move allowed all-rounder Cameron Green to slot in at number four.
The 34-year-old has an average of 28.5 with a highest score of 91 not out in four tests, but his performance has been criticized for scoring only 51 runs in four innings during the two tests against New Zealand.
“I think it’s unfair,” McDonald told reporters after Australia’s 2-0 series sweep against New Zealand.
“I don’t think it’s deserved. I think he’ll be able to work through that. It’s a new challenge for him, a new position.”
McDonald supported captain Pat Cummins’s belief that Smith is still one of the top six batsmen in Australia and mentioned that the batting group would be difficult to break into.
“He is a great player and his ability to problem solve is one of his great strengths,” McDonald added.
“There will be a debate about what his best position is… but he is ready for the challenge, and I believe that anytime Steve Smith faces failure, he sees it as a greater challenge.”
“So leaving here with 51 runs under his belt in tough conditions will only motivate him further for the next challenge, which is India. They are waiting, and I think it will be an internal motivator for him.”
“He wants to open, it’s a position that he approached us about, and we believe he can succeed in it.”
India is set to play five tests in Australia in December and January.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
