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Cricket

'Downfall loading' - Fans react to reports of Steve Smith becoming Australia's new Test opener

Smith has never opened in a Test match but is ready for the new challenge. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head reportedly turned down the offer.

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Mathew K
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Steve Smith (Source: Twitter)

Steve Smith (Source: Twitter)

David Warner's retirement from the Test and ODI formats has not only caused Australia to lose a vital cog in their set-up but also created a huge void in the opener's role. The debate over who should replace one of the greatest Test openers continues. With Australia set to host the West Indies for a two-match Test series from January 17, the management needs to find an answer as soon as possible.

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It remains to be seen whether Cricket Australia will include a new player in the squad or promote someone from the set-up to take up the role. According to the latest reports, Steve Smith is set to become Australia's new Test opener. If this happens, it will be a revolutionary move from one of the greatest middle-order Test batters of all time.

Reportedly, the management approached Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head to replace Warner, but both of them turned down the offer. Meanwhile, Smith has raised his hand to take up the new role, confirming that he would be interested in the move if the selectors ask for it. Notably, the 34-year-old has never opened in a Test match but is ready for the new challenge. 

"I'm actually happy to go up the top," Smith ABC radio after Warner's farewell Test series against Pakistan. "I am pretty keen if that is what they want to do. I'm sure the selectors and 'Ron' (coach Andrew McDonad) and Patty (captain Pat Cummins) will have a chat after this game, but I am certainly interested. For sure," he added. 

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David Warner backs Steve Smith to become Test opener

There are mixed opinions within the Australian cricket fraternity about Smith's change in his batting order. Meanwhile, Warner has backed Smith to take his spot as the new Test opener. The southpaw hailed the former Australian captain saying he is the best Test batter in the world and can adapt to any situation.

“I think (Smith) would go well, he is the best Test batsman in the world, he just finds a way. It’s probably the challenge of it which I think he probably wants to get into,” Warner was quoted as saying on the Prairie Club Fire podcast.

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“He’s ticked the box off where he is now ... he probably just wants to see if he can go out and open. He’ll adapt to any situation ... he’ll do very, very well,” he added.

Here's how fans reacted to reports that Steve Smith would be Australia's new Test opener:

Australia featured David Warner Steve Smith