Steve Smith hits back at critics after questions about his move to open in Test cricket

David Warner’s decision to retire from Test cricket gave the chance for a new player to open the batting. Against all odds, the task was given to Steve Smith during the two-match Test series against West Indies.

The 34-year-old scored 120 runs during the series with a best of 91 not out in Brisbane. Steve Smith stood watching helplessly at the other end as Australia were bowled out for 207 in the 2^nd innings. Shamar Joseph and West Indies won their first-ever Test on Australian soil after 27 years. The 8-run win also meant that the series ended at 1-1 as the home side had won the Adelaide Test.

Steve Smith gives a befitting reply to critics

After three successive failures, many critics had called out Steve Smith. There were questions about the 34-year-old opening the batting for Australia. Before his 91 not out in Gabba, Smith had scored 29 runs from three innings.

During a chat with the media on Wednesday, Smith said “There was a lot of commentary around I’d failed in two or three innings – I had a not out and two low scores. Now I’m averaging 60 as an opener. It was just another position; I’ve battled against the new ball numerous times, coming in early. I’ve enjoyed the first couple of weeks of it…if they see fit to move me back down, I’ll do whatever the team needs.”

Young West Indian pacer Shamar Joseph despite suffering an injury to his toe bowled with passion. The 24-year-old picked Cameron Green and Travis Head in successive balls to begin the collapse. From 113/2 Australia soon lost five wickets to give hopes of a West Indian win. Steve Smith then played a lone hand to take his team close, but couldn’t cross the line. While speaking to the media, Smith remembered Shamar Joseph’s chat with his skipper.

“I overheard a conversation, I think we were seven down just before lunch and I overheard him speaking to West Indian captain Kraigg Braithwaite. Joseph is like ‘I’m bowling to the end man.” Finally lauding the young pacer, Smith said “He’s a rare talent and I think it’s great for cricket what he was able to do and see the West Indies competing like they did. He just kept coming in, and actually probably bowled faster at the end rather than the start.”