(Cricket News) Steve Smith is enthusiastic about the opportunity, emphasizing that it will provide him with more time at the crease. Taking over the position left vacant by the retired David Warner, who concluded his career after the Pakistan series, Smith, traditionally batting at No. 4, will now open alongside the order.

With Cameron Green losing his No. 6 spot to Mitchell Marsh during the Ashes, he will assume Smith’s previous position at No. 4 in the batting order.

Discussing the decision, Smith mentioned, “There have been ongoing discussions for a while. Knowing that Davey was going to finish up in Sydney, and with the keenness to reintegrate Cameron Green into the team, it led to a conversation where I expressed my interest in moving up the order. If the consideration was for Greeny to open, he hasn’t done that before; he bats at four in Shield cricket.”

Highlighting his preference for facing the newer ball, Smith, who has shown outstanding form when exposed early in the innings, justified his decision by stating, “Since Marnus has been playing at no.3, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time waiting to bat. I don’t enjoy waiting, so I thought why not put my hand up and try opening? This way, we can have Cameron Green in the side, ensuring the inclusion of our best six batters.”

Expressing excitement about the upcoming challenge, Smith drew on his experience batting at no. 3 and facing the new ball, saying, “I like facing the newer ball. If you look back to the 2019 Ashes, I was often in early, facing the new ball. I batted at no. 3 for many years, and I did well against the new ball. It’s not new or foreign to me. I enjoy getting in there and getting amongst it, and I’m looking forward to that challenge.”

Australia’s two-match Test series against Australia is scheduled to commence on January 17.

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