Australian star batter Steve Smith is on the verge of his worst Test summer in 13 years having been dismissed for just six runs against the West Indies as Australia’s top order was rattled on Friday. Australia cleaned up the tail of the West Indies on day two of the day-night Test at the Gabba, with the visitors posting a strong 311 total.
And while many would have expected Smith to bounce back after a lean run of form this summer, the newly crowned opener was walking back to the pavilion having scored only six runs. Smith has endured a below par summer for his standards having only scored 206 runs at an average of 34.33 across five Test matches.
Steve Smith’s stint as an opener post David Warner’s retirement
Steve Smith made the daring move having taken David Warner’s position as opener in the series against the West Indies.
However, he hasn’t impressed so far having scored 12, 11 not out and six. Smith has only scored one half-century this summer (50 in the second Test against Pakistan), and if he isn’t able to pass 54 in the second innings in Brisbane, it will mark his lowest best score for an Aussie summer in 13 years.
Unfortunately for Smith, he might not even have the chance to bat again with rain expected to impact play over the weekend. Smith’s average has also dropped to 57.48, which is the lowest it has been since 2016.To make matters worse for Australia, Smith’s move to allow Cameron Green to bat at No.4 also hasn’t added anything to the team with the all-rounder also struggling.
Steve Smith is starting to look like a mere mortal and is struggling in his first few attempts at opening the batting for Australia.
Smith has scores of 12, 11 not out and six since moving up the order to replace David Warner and his lbw dismissal off Kemar Roach didn’t look good when he shuffled across his stumps.
However Steve Smith’s companion and Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey who himself scored a brilliant counter attacking 65 runs in 49 balls causing Australia’s revival in the 2nd Test versus the new look West Indian side has came out in full support for his elite companion and believes that It would be just a matter of time when Steve Smith starts scoring big runs for Australia.
Steve Smith is one of the best batters in World- Alex Carey
Australian keeper-batter Alex Carey has backed Steve Smith to produce the goods as an opener despite falling cheaply on both occasions in his new role. The South Australian reckons the right-handed batter could produce a big hundred in the fourth innings of the ongoing Test against the West Indies at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Smith, who started opening the innings since the Adelaide Test against the West Indies, is yet to score even 20. The former captain perished for 12 in the first innings in Adelaide and stayed unbeaten on 11 as the hosts had to chase only 26 for victory. He perished in the first over on Day 2 of the 2nd Test in Brisbane, with Kemar Roach trapping him lbw.
Carey said after the day’s play in Brisbane that the right-hander will find a way to score big hundreds, being one of the best batters in the world. As quoted by Perth Now, Carey said:
“He has been dismissed twice as an opener now, and he is going to be dismissed a lot more as an opener. He is one of the best batters in the world, and he will find a way to score big hundreds,”
“He has done it in really difficult situations before. … a big innings is coming up, and, hopefully, it is in the second innings,”
The 34-year-old expressed keenness in filling in for David Warner, who retired from Test cricket after the recent series against Pakistan. With Smith failing as opener, it remains to be seen if he returns to No.4. his familiar position where he has scored bulk of runs in his test career.
The Brisbane Test remains in the balance as West Indies lead by 35 runs heading into Day 3 after Australia declared at 289-9, despite trailing by 22 runs.