George Bailey, Australia’s chairman of selectors has said that the star batter, Steve Smith, will open the batting in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.
A three-match T20I series is all set to kick off between South Africa and Australia, with Durban, South Africa, as the opening venue from August 30. Following this, the home team will also engage in a five-game ODI series against the Australian side.
Of special note is Smith’s exceptional performance in the 2022-23 season of the Big Bash League (BBL). While representing the Sydney Sixers as an opener, he showcased his remarkable batting prowess. Smith’s dazzling displays were so impactful that he secured a place in the official BBL team after participating in only five games. This remarkable achievement has now paved the way for his role as an opener in the T20I series against South Africa.
“He’s the one guy out of that multi-format players heading across (for the T20s). We wanted to give him that opportunity. It was pretty exhilarating, his innings in the Big Bash, and I thought it highlighted the skill set he has and what he can do. The way he played in the Big Bash, we wanted to see that replicated internationally,” Bailey was quoted as saying by Fox Cricket.
“He was really keen to come across and be a part of that. That may mean he has a rest through a couple of the one-dayers (against South Africa). Certainly excited to see him bring that Big Bash opening outlook into that role internationally,” the former Australia skipper added.
Australia intended to provide Smith with the opportunity to excel in the limited-overs format, as shared by Bailey. The veteran, aged 40, also emphasized their aspiration for Smith to replicate his outstanding achievements from the previous BBL season on the international stage. In the 2022-23 BBL season, Steve Smith made an astounding comeback, treating bowlers with exceptional aggression. As a result, the unorthodox batsman gathered an impressive 346 runs in just five appearances for the Sydney Sixers. Furthermore, Smith’s batting spree led to a staggering average of 86.50, underlining his prowess.
