According to former England captain Michael Vaughan, Steve Smith should open the batting to secure a spot in the Australian T20I side.
Despite having impressive records in Test and ODI cricket, the 34-year-old has faced challenges in the shortest format while representing Australia. Smith maintains a modest average of 25.69 with a strike rate of 125.17 in 65 T20Is.
After an electrifying 2022 BBL season, the experienced batsman took on the opening role for Australia in the initial two T20Is against India in November last year. Smith managed to score a 52 from 41 balls in the first match, followed by a 19 in the second.
In an interview with Fox Sports, Vaughan expressed the opinion that if Steve Smith is not utilized as an opener, his significance in the Australian T20I side diminishes.
“I think his only position really is to open because he has the skill in the game to maximize that first six overs brilliantly. He is a skillful player. But if he is not going to open, I don’t think he should play. If you are going to play him, he bats in the top two, and that is great. He will face 50 balls and get you an 80 or 90,” said Vaughan.
He further added, “If he is not going to open, I don’t see him having an impact in the middle order after the powerplay. You need people who can whack it into the stands from (overs) six to 20. He can do that once he is in, but I think he is a better player in the first six (overs) when there are only two men outside the circle.”
The Australian T20I captain Mitchell Marsh has confirmed that the team will have David Warner and Travis Head as openers, with himself coming in at No. 3 in the upcoming series against New Zealand.
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