Tim Paine’s shocking statement regarding Steve Smith, said – Opponents want Smith to play as an opener – Dainik Savera Times

New Delhi: After David Warner’s retirement from Test cricket, the Australian team is busy reshaping its batting lineup. Meanwhile, former Australian captain Tim Paine has given a shocking statement regarding Steve Smith. Tim Paine has expressed confidence in Steve Smith’s ability to succeed as an opening batsman. After Warner’s retirement from Test cricket, the Australian team had decided to play Steve Smith as an opening batsman.

However, Smith’s performance during Australia’s tour of New Zealand raised questions about his ability as an opening batsman. Paine acknowledged the concerns, saying that opposing teams could see Smith’s early innings as an opportunity to exploit his weaknesses. Speaking on Smith’s struggles in New Zealand, where he could only score 51 runs at an average of 12.75, Paine stressed the importance of Smith finding his rhythm in the new role.

Tim Paine said in his statement to ESPN Around the Wicket, ‘If I were playing a Test match against Australia, I would want Steve Smith to open the batting. This will give my best bowlers full opportunity to get him out, that too with the new ball. ‘When I was on the tour of England with him in the 2019 Ashes series, he played in the number 4 position and watching Smith play, it seemed that no one would be able to get him out.’

‘I want to see him succeed as an opener and I think he will be successful in doing so, but as a player of the opposing team, I would like him to bat at the top of the order so that he gets a chance to get out early. Could.’ Ahead of Australia’s upcoming Test series against India, Paine dismissed suggestions of a change in the batting order.

He confirmed Smith at the top, saying that Smith has earned the right to bat in any order on the basis of his ability and potential. Australia will next face India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in November.