Justin Langer reckons Steve Smith shouldn't open in Test cricket
What's the story
Former Australian cricket team coach Justin Langer has expressed his belief that Steve Smith should return to batting at number four in Test matches. This suggestion comes after Smith's less-than-stellar performance as an opener, following David Warner's retirement. Despite scoring a commendable 91 against the West Indies in the second Test at Gabba, Smith's overall record as an opener has been disappointing with an average of just 28.50.
Expert opinion
Langer's perspective on Smith's batting position
Langer shared his views on the Cricket et al podcast, stating that while he believes Smith could improve as an opener, he is better suited to bat at number four. He said, "He's the greatest player we've had. Great players adapt, they can bat anywhere in the order." Langer further added that for the Australian cricket team, he thinks Smith is best suited to bat at number four as it would affect the opponent psychologically.
Team dynamics
Langer's take on team selection and strategy
Langer also touched upon the team selection strategy, noting that the decision to move Smith as an opener was primarily to accommodate young all-rounder Cameron Green into the XI. He observed, "My observation was that it was more about trying to get Cameron Green in and Mitch Marsh had taken that (all-rounders') role, but they wanted to get the best young player into the XI." This indicates a strategic shift in Australia's cricket team composition.
Teammate's agreement
Khawaja supports Langer's view on Smith's position
Smith's opening partner, Usman Khawaja, has also voiced his agreement with Langer's suggestion for Smith to return to number four. As Australia gears up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, team management is considering various strategies. Captain Pat Cummins has confirmed his support for all-rounders in the upcoming five-match series against India. If both Green and Mitchell Marsh are included in the squad, Smith may continue as an opener despite Langer and Khawaja's recommendations.
Stats
Here are Smith's Test numbers
Smith owns 9,685 runs runs from 109 Tests at an average of 56.97, including 32 centuries and 41 fifties. Earlier this year, he completed 16,000 runs in international cricket. As per ESPNcricinfo, Smith's average is the second-highest among batters with at least 9,000 Test runs. He is the fourth-highest run-getter for Australia in Tests, only behind Ricky Ponting (13,378), Allan Border (11,174), and Steve Waugh (10,927).