(Cricket news) George Bailey, the chairman of selectors officially confirmed Steve Smith as Australia’s new test opener. Matt Renshaw was picked as replacement for Warner to face West Indies but Smith gets a nod up the order. Renshaw will only be a reserve batter in the squad.

Smith has never opened the innings in his entire international career. He has mostly batted for Australia at No.3 and No.4. Despite having an average of over 60 batting at No.3 and No.4 Smith recently expressed his desire to open the innings post Warner’s retirement which came as a surprise to many.

Skipper Pat Cummins was not very keen on reshuffling the batting order but Smith got backing from former Australian captain Michael Clarke and also from the likes of Marnus Labuschagne.

George Bailey also confirmed the inclusion of Cameron Green in the playing XI. The allrounder has an excellent record in first-class cricket at No.4 and is all set to bat in the same slot for Australia at the Test level as well.

Apart from Renshaw and Green, Australia will also welcome Scott Boland in their 13-man squad for the first Test against West Indies in Adelaide. Boland was recently released ahead of the Sydney Test against Pakistan in order to feature in the BBL.

“Steve’s obviously motivated and energized and keen to do it,” Bailey said. “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.

ALSO READ : Pace trio rested as Steve Smith to lead Australia in the ODI series against West Indies