Cricket 2024: Smith abandons opening experiment after four Tests

It’s no surprise Australia put a bomb under the plan to make Steve Smith an opener but it was a surprise who lit the fuse, writes ROBERT CRADDOCK.

Steve Smith talked his way into opening the batting – and talked his way out of it.

All in the space of four Tests.

In the end the little cameo where the batting great averaged 28 at the top of the order will remain one of the most bizarre diversions of his glittering career.

It became all the more intriguing on Monday when chairman of selectors George Bailey revealed the experiment had been called off after Smith “expressed a desire to move back down from the opening position.’’

You wonder whether Bailey, or any of the selectors, might have felt like adding “which was a bit odd really because he actually asked to bat there.’’

Even if he thought it there was no chance of Bailey going that far because he chooses his words with the care of a politician trying not to be tomorrow’s headline.

But he certainly had no problem confirming that Smith, not the selectors, was the voice who started the discussions to put a bomb under the rickety plan to bat him at opener.

Steve Smith will return to his spot at number four this summer. Picture: Getty Images

The decision came after opening partner Usman Khawaja, had publicly and privately said to Smith and the wider world that Smith was better suited at number four.

These are fascinating times for Australian cricket and they try and piece together the deliciously complex jigsaw which is Australia’s first Test team to play India.

Bailey was categorical that, in an aging Test side with 10 members older than 30, the introduction of youth was not a priority but one thing is certain.

The selectors are watching 19-year-old Sam Konstas closer than a parent watches their baby have their first steps.

Former Australian coach Bob Simpson used to have a saying any club batsman in the land was potentially six innings from representing their country.

Chief selector George Bailey and Test captain Pat Cummins are keeping a close eye on Sam Konstas. Picture: Getty Images

“Score three club centuries in a row and that could get you into your state side and three centuries in a row in Sheffield Shield cricket could see you play for Australia,’’ Simpson said.

There’s been eras when Simmo’s theory has not quite rung true but the general vibe of it must be ringing in the ears of NSW teenage tyro Konstas.

The 19-year-olds twin centuries against South Australia in the last Sheffield Shield game vaulted him into the Australia A-India A game which he would not have been chosen for a fortnight ago.

But dominating South Australia on a pancake deck is one thing. He must prove himself against the big boys.

Konstas will need at least another century or something close to it against Victoria this week to edge ahead of Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft in the pecking order.

Could we see a 19-year-old Sam Konstas in the Australian Test side. Picture: Getty Images

Matt Renshaw did not make the A team, a casualty of his 25 average in the Sheffield Shield last summer.

The Victorian attack is workmanlike without being devastating.

In a way it’s a shame Konstas cannot play against his own state because, if he shone against the likes of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, that would truly put his name up in lights.

Bailey would not confirm whether the absence of injured Cameron Green for the season would mean the promotion of another allrounder – Beau Webster or Aaron Hardie – or, in a move which seems more likely, a specialist opening batsman.

Former captain Tim Paine’s suggestion that you back your bowlers (plus Mitchell Marsh) to carry the bowling workload early in the summer seems the most likely option.

The selection shootouts have reinvigorated interest in the Sheffield Shield, an early dividend in what shapes as a grand summer.

Originally published as Cricket 2024: Smith abandons opening experiment after four Tests