Should Steve Smith continue as Australia’s Test opener?

Steve Smith continues to struggle as opener and what changes might occur to the Aussie batting lineup?

Steve Smith only made 11 runs opening in Australia’s first innings of the second Test in New Zealand, as it continues to look less likely that he will be in this spot in the long term. Read on and listen to the Cricket Today Podcast for a New Zealand vs Australia preview and talk about the Aussie batting lineup.

SMITHY OPENING STRUGGLES

• Form: 12, 11*, 6, 91*, 31, 0 & 11
• Opening average: 32.4 runs

Other than an extremely strong 91 not out against the West Indies, the Smith opening experiment has been extremely underwhelming.

Although he has faced some tough pitches in New Zealand, where hardly any batsmen in this series can really get going, the uncharacteristic ways Smith has been getting out suggests the opening spot isn’t really for him.

Marcus Bazzano labels it could be time for a change on the Cricket Today Podcast “he doesn’t look like himself opening and if Smith starts losing form while Marnus and Carey are also playing horribly, then this batting lineup is a real worry.”

Australian batsman Steve Smith and Mitch Marsh bat against Pakistan at the MCG. Picture: William West/AFP

WHO CAN STEP UP?

The likes of Mitch Marsh and Travis Head who are in strong form across the last 12 months could be the answer to this opening spot for Australia.

Both extremely attacking players, Trav and the Bison could be suited to tough conditions overseas with their ability to put immediate pressure on the bowlers and hit through the line even when the ball is swinging.

CODE Sports journalist Daniel Cherny talks about the Aussie lineup on the Cricket Today Podcast, “Although Renshaw is in the squad I don’t see him coming in to replace anyone for now, but this top order should change after this New Zealand Test series.”

BOWLERS TAKE CHARGE AGAINST BLACK CAPS

Australia were far too strong for the Kiwis in the opening Test winning by 172 runs, but the Aussie bowlers hid a poor patting performance with no player other than Cam Green scoring over 41 for the visitors.

Australia are in another strong position in the second Test thanks to 5/31 by Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc showed just how good he is, passing Dennis Lillee for fourth all time Aussie Test wickets.

– CHECK OUT CRICKET ANALYSIS ON CODEBET HERE –

Originally published as Should Steve Smith continue as Australia’s Test opener?