In what could be called the biggest experiment in cricket history, Australia have confirmed that batting stalwart Steve Smith will open the innings in Test cricket. While announcing the squad for the upcoming home series against West Indies, chief selector George Bailey said Smith will open the batting in the first Test in Adelaide.

The big move comes after one of the game’s greatest openers, David Warner, retired from the Test and ODI formats. The southpaw bid farewell to red-ball cricket after Australia’s recent 3-0 whitewash against Pakistan at his home ground in Sydney. Several names have since been suggested as his replacement, including Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, but Smith was given the nod to fill big shoes.

Significant chapter of his career: Bailey on Steve Smith changing his batting position 

Smith is Australia’s most reliable Test presence in the middle order. He averages 67 at four, 62 at three, 58 at five. It remains to be seen how he deals with the new ball threat and whether he can threaten the opposition with his batting prowess. Chief selector Bailey also said that the management will see how Smith performs as an opener before taking a call on his batting position in the long term.

“Tongue in cheek I could say everything’s an experiment,” Bailey said when asked if it was an experiment. “That’s been part of the discussions with Steve, I believe he’s keen for this to be a significant chapter of his career. We don’t look too far ahead… (but) for all intents and purposes this is where Steve wants to stay,” he added.

Earlier, after the series against Pakistan, Smith had expressed his desire to bat up the order. “I’m actually happy to go up the top,” Smith ABC radio. There were mixed reactions from the Australian cricket fraternity after he decided to change his batting position. The modern-day great started his career as a No. 8 leg spin bowler, then became the backbone of the Australian batting and is now set to make his debut as a Test opener at the age of 34.

Despite the inclusion of Renshaw in the squad, the decision to open Smith alongside Usman Khawaja came as a surprise to the fans. Meanwhile, Cameron Green has been confirmed as a replacement for Warner in the Playing XI, and the all-rounder is likely to play in Smith’s No. 4 position.

Australia Test squad for West Indies series: Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchel Marsh, Matt Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc

Here’s how fans reacted to Steve Smith becoming Australia’s new Test opener: 

Warner was attacking Batsman smit is tuk tooker

— Zubair Malik (@ZubairMalik00) January 10, 2024

It’s not a big move, it’s an huge blow for them

— Listen (@listen_virat) January 10, 2024

Smith as an opener, big change in the batting lineup for Australia.

— Rachit (@gupt_rach) January 10, 2024

https://twitter.com/kohlixfear18/status/1744903870265053400

Patience and persistence a must to succeed. All the best Smudge.

— Nirmal Roy (@nroy11) January 10, 2024

No.3 & No.4. Is best position for Steve Smith in Test Cricket 🏏

— Zuhair 🇦🇪 (@zuh_dxb) January 10, 2024

https://twitter.com/kohlixfear18/status/1744903838791065888

That's a big mistake Smith is going to make in his career. You cannot make a sudden change to move yourself as a Test opener at the age of 34.

— Shumaila Tanveer (@shumaila56_) January 10, 2024

I don't think it will be successful experiment, smith's technique is not of an opener.

— Shahid Hassan (@shahid_2349) January 10, 2024