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“It’s a new challenge for him”: Australian head coach Andrew McDonald on Steve Smith’s role as Test opener
Australia’s newly introduced Test opener Steve Smith hasn’t been able to adjust himself in his new position, returning with disappointing outings in his previous innings. Recently, Australia sealed their 2-0 series sweep against New Zealand in the two-match Test series.
Smith’s performance couldn’t be as lively as it was presumed to be, considering his first overseas outing as an opener since being upgraded at the top of the order, a place that was left vacant by David Warner who retired from Test cricket after Australia's Test series against Pakistan in December-January. Following his rather unimpressive scores at the top of the order, Smith has invited criticism, surrounding his performance as an opener. Backing Smith, head coach Andrew McDonald feels it is too early to judge.
Australia will now gear up for their next assignment in November against India in the Border-Gavaskar-Trophy at the end of the year. As of now, Australia have no international commitments till November, barring T20I World Cup in June.
"No doubt everyone is still asking the question around Steve Smith. He is a great player and his ability to problem solve is one of his great strengths,” McDonald said while speaking to reporters.
"He's been challenged in these conditions as the surfaces have been new-ball wickets, and no doubt there will be a debate as to what his best position is,” he said.
“But he's up for the challenge, and I think any time that Steve Smith fails he sees it as a greater challenge,” McDonald said.
In the last four Test matches, Smith’s highest score has been 91 since being promoted to open the batting for Australia in Tests. McDonald feels that Smith will be able to pull it through.
“I don't think it's deserved. He'll be able to work through that, it's a new challenge for him, it's a new position. And if you're bringing in a new opener and you gave them four Test matches, and then said 'okay; we're going to shift that after four Test matches' would you think that's fair or unfair? I think that's reasonably unfair,” he said.
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