Football

“For a few reasons, I think that’s crazy” – Matthew Hayden on Australia’s decision to send Steve Smith as an opener in Tests

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden feels the team’s decision to open the innings with Steve Smith is crazy. After David Warner’s retirement, Smith has opened the innings along with Usman Khawaja. Smith has scored 171 runs in four Test matches at an average of 28.50 while playing against the West Indies and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Smith has a fantastic record while batting at number four, scoring 5966 runs in 67 Test matches with an impressive average of 61.50, including 19 centuries.

“The rationale that [national selector] George Bailey gave was correct in so far as that he was choosing his best top six batsmen. Now, you can’t argue with Steven Smith, he is averaging 65 [57] in Test-match cricket… 32 Test-match hundreds,” Hayden said on the sidelines of the CEAT cricket rating awards in Mumbai.

“But the role of an opening batsman compared to a middle-order batsman is very different. And it didn’t take long to discover that when you get into challenging conditions, like they faced in the first series outside of Australia, which was in New Zealand, that opening the batting is very difficult,” he added.

Smith is a vital cog in Australia’s batting and Hayden is not impressed with the team’s decision to promote him as an opener.

“I, personally, as I said at the time, was on record saying that I didn’t like changing. I think it’s crazy to think that you have the world’s best-in-class batter in a certain position. And then you change to a completely different position. For a few reasons, I think that’s crazy. Firstly, why? Such a gun in that position, such a coveted player,” Hayden explained.

Hayden also feels Smith’s promotion as an opener is not fair to the other players, who are grinding hard in the domestic circuit as openers.

“And then it also is not a great nod to the first-class set-up, which is very much in the Australian culture, been driving great results towards key roles, be that any one of the roles – wicketkeeping, batting, spinners, fast bowlers, opening batters. So the [batting positions of] one, two and three is a category which needs to be protected in my opinion. It sets up play.”

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

India vs England: 5th Test was a Fitting Finale to a Series of High Drama and Heroism

The finale to the India vs England series was nothing short of unbelievable. For those… Read More

August 8, 2025

WFI Suspends 11 Wrestlers Over Fake Birth Certificates in Crackdown on Age and Domicile Fraud

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has suspended 11 wrestlers for allegedly submitting fake birth… Read More

August 8, 2025

Shubman Gill to Lead North Zone in Duleep Trophy After Stellar England Series

Fresh from a record-breaking Test series against England, Shubman Gill will captain North Zone in… Read More

August 8, 2025

AIFF Confirms Delayed Start to 2025-26 Indian Football Season, Super Cup to Precede ISL

After days of uncertainty, All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey confirmed on Thursday… Read More

August 8, 2025

Ben Shelton says he’s going to push to work harder after Toronto triumph

Ben Shelton won his maiden ATP 1000 Masters title after beating Karen Khachanov in the… Read More

August 8, 2025

AIFF sheds light on ISL’s future amid uncertainty

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) proposed that the Super Cup be held from the… Read More

August 8, 2025