Former Australian opening batter Matthew Hayden has expressed his disapproval of the idea of Steven Smith opening the batting in Tests. Hayden believes that Smith should continue to bat in the middle order, where he has been most successful.
Hayden, who was Australia’s most prolific Test opener before David Warner surpassed him in 2023, emphasized the importance of protecting the top three batting positions in Test cricket. He argued that opening the batting is a specialized role that requires different skills and experience than batting in the middle order.
Smith’s brief stint as an opener earlier this year yielded disappointing results. In eight innings, he was dismissed for 12 or less on five occasions and averaged only 28.50. In contrast, he averages 67.07 at No. 3 and 61.50 at No. 4.
Hayden believes that moving Smith to the opening slot would be a mistake. He pointed out that Smith is one of the world’s best batters in his current position and that changing his role would send the wrong message to the first-class system.
If Australia decides to move Smith back down the order, they will need to find a new opening partner for Usman Khawaja. Hayden acknowledged that Warner’s departure has left a void in the opening slot, but he expressed confidence that Australia has talented players in the pipeline who can fill the role.
Smith himself has stated that he is open to batting anywhere for the team. However, both captain Pat Cummins and national selector George Bailey have indicated that Australia is likely to stick with the same top six for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India.
