Steve Smith all set to open for Australia in first Test match against West Indies

If the final Test against Pakistan revolved around David Warner's impending retirement, the first match of the series against West Indies focuses on the recently elevated opener Steve Smith. Smith, adhering to his technical and analytical nature, challenges the Caribbean bowling attack to squander the new ball by delivering short-pitched deliveries to him.

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Smith offered himself and was promoted from No. 4 to the opening position alongside Usman Khawaja. They will form the opening partnership when Australia bats in the initial Test of the two-match series commencing on Wednesday at Adelaide Oval. The legendary middle-order batter also mentioned that the strategies opponents have previously employed against him could now jeopardize the new ball by delivering it halfway down the pitch.

“It’s pretty game, I suppose, with a brand new ball; bowling short stuff and wasting it. I think it helps the scoring rate for sure when you’re facing the new ball and there’s a bit more attacking going on. Over the last few years I’ve come in after quite a lot of runs... that’s probably kept me quieter and made me face a lot more balls to score runs. So perhaps that changes a bit with the new ball, you have a bit more attacking fields and more gaps out there to score runs," Smith told the Australian Associated Press as reported by the Hindu.

It’s a new challenge for him: Pat Cummins

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The Australia skipper, Pat Cummins also asserted the fact that it was a new challenge for Smith, emphasizing that one shouldn't underestimate it. Cummins also mentioned observing Smith's happiness and energy around the nets in recent days, highlighting the excitement of someone who has accomplished everything in the game for a new challenge. In addition to this, Cameron Green is set to play at the number four spot.

“It’s a new challenge for him, which I don’t think you can underestimate. I’ve never seen him just as happy and as energetic as I have seen him around the nets the last couple of days. Seeing someone who has basically achieved everything in the game get really excited for a new challenge, you have got to entertain that," Cummins said Tuesday as reported by the Hindu.