Should Steve Smith open for Australia in T20I cricket?

Australia and Sydney Sixers batter Steve Smith has been in scintillating form for the side thus far in the top-tier league. It is worth mentioning that the flamboyant right-hander usually comes down the middle-order for the national side but the cricketing world has seen a massive change in his role with the Sixers in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) as he has been opening the innings for the franchise and has produced some his finest innings.

In his four innings for the side so far, Smith has registered scores of 36, 101, 125* and 66 which has garnered much attention from fans and members of the cricketing fraternity. The veteran batter has amassed 328 runs in just four matches at an average of 105, which also includes 24 sixes in the tournament. Considering the scintillating form, the underlying question is whether the batter should open for the national side in the shortest format?

Road ahead

Undoubtedly, the Aussies management will have taken notice of the innings he has carved out in the recent matches in the BBL. Assuming he makes the cut in the T20I squad in the national side, Australia could experiment with Smith opening the innings. The batter has used the powerplay to his advantage and fired accordingly which hands him and the side a massive head start in the contest. This could work wonders for the national team as well if they want to continue playing aggressive cricket going forward.

Adding to this, the management could also be ideating plans for the 2024 T20 World Cup and take the opening pairs into consideration. Smith starting the innings for the side may not be a bad aspect for the side and this could be the right time to experiment with him opening as there is plenty of time left for the marquee event.