Steve Smith took a sly dig at critics questioning his credentials as Australia’s Test opener after scoring an unbeaten 91 at Gabba against West Indies.
Smith was promoted for the home Test opener against West Indies following the retirement of David Warner, leaving several other potential candidates. However, he could not get used to his new role right away, and in his first three innings he returned with 2, 11 no outs, and 6 runs scored.
Despite his initial difficulties, Smith, who won 27 of his 32 test tons in third or fourth place, insisted he had no doubts after moving up the rankings. . “There were a lot of comments about me missing two or four. Three innings – one no out and two low scores. Now my average score as an opener is 60. It’s just the position is different. I struggled with the new ball many times and was able to get it in early.
“The first few weeks were fun…If the team sees fit to demote me, I’ll do whatever the team needs.”
In a thrilling conclusion to the second Australia-West Indies Test at the Gabba, Smith became the first Australian batsman to take up the bat since Warner in 2011, taking an unbeaten 91 from 146. Almost achieved a miraculous victory. But the energetic Shamar Joseph played despite a toe injury and smashed the Australian batting line-up with 7 for 68, giving West Indies their first Test win in Australia since 1997. participated in the middle.
Smith praised Joseph after the match, recounting a conversation he overheard between Joseph and Kraigg Brathwaite towards the end of the match.
“I overheard a conversation. I think we were there just before lunch at 7 p.m., and I heard him talking to Craig…he (Joseph) , “I’ll bowl till the end.” Man,” Smith said.
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“He’s a rare talent and I think it’s great for cricket to see what he’s achieved and to see the West Indies compete as well.” He will continue to play and perhaps I could have finished bowling faster than I started. ”
Smith will lead Australia in the upcoming ODI series against West Indies in the absence of Pat Cummins. This will be the first 50-over match between the two teams since they defeated hosts India at the end of 2023 to win the World Cup for a record sixth time.
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