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Mark Taylor has cautioned against moving Steve Smith from the top of the order, despite the vice-captain enduring a “tough” series against New Zealand.
Australia emerged with a dramatic victory against the Black Caps on Monday, sealing a 2-0 series win away from home, but Smith failed to fire during the two-game series.
The right-hander registered scores of 31, 0, 11 and 9 across his four innings, with his struggles against the new ball on full-display.
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The 34-year-old put his hand up to replace David Warner and the selectors ultimately obliged, pushing Smith into a new role in the Test arena that, so far, hasn’t produced the trademark big scores that fans have become accustomed to over the years.
But according to the former Test skipper in an exclusive interview with Wide World of Sports, it will be a difficult call to make a change after coming away with the win against New Zealand and the recent performances of Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh.
“The two Test matches were played on pitches that were certainly bowler-friendly and I think that point needs to be made,” Taylor said.
“It’s going to be very difficult for Australia to change now, to be totally honest … I think the die is cast. I think they are going to have to stick that way, because if they want to bring in an opener now, someone is going to have to miss out.
“You make a change in a team if you think you can make the team better, that’s the bottom line. The side is finding ways to win. There will be no rush by Australians selectors to make a change to our batting order.
“I think Australia will stick with what they’re doing and stick with Steve Smith to open the batting next summer.”
Smith’s career average in the baggy green has dropped to 56.97 – which remains a number most players would be envious of – but there is no secret his international career will come to an end over the next few years.
Head coach Andrew McDonald has backed Smith to turn things around next summer, defending the star over some of the criticism he’s faced since filling Warner’s shoes.
”No doubt everyone is still asking the question … he is a great player and his ability to problem solve is one of his great strengths,” McDonald said post-game.
“I think it’s unfair, and that will probably mean I’m going into defensive mode around my player. I don’t think it’s deserved. He’ll be able to work through that.
“He’s been challenged in these conditions. He’s up for the challenge, and I think any time that Steve Smith fails he sees it as a greater challenge.”
Australia’s next taste of red-ball cricket will come on home soil against India, with a five-game Border-Gavaskar series set to kick off in December.
