Matt Renshaw was the name given by Australian Selectors to replace David Warner who recently retired from test but Steve Smith was confirmed as Australian new test opener by George Bailey who is chairman of selectors.
On this critical decision George Bailey added, “There were many players within the team who were not keen to be promoted as an opener but at same time it was Steve Smith who stood up and despite having great batting record at No. 3 and 4 he came forward and accepted the challenge with both hands. He added it is great to see Steve is motivated and hungry for the new challenge to open the batting in tests and in the same slot he had so much success at first-class level so we strongly believe to open in tests Steve is the perfect choice for us”.
Steve Smith averages over 60 at No. 3 and 4 in tests but still showing willingness for a new position shows his commitment and loyalty to the team. Although the Australian skipper Pat Cummins was not keen to disturb batting order within the team to fulfil opening slot, Steve Smith was also backed by Labuschagne and former Australian skipper Michael Clarke.
Now Renshaw in the team will be as a reserve batter while on other hand selectors also included Cameron Green into the team for his great batting record at No. 4 in first-class cricket who can bowl too so overall an allrounder at No. 4 would be a big plus for Australia in test matches.
Fast bowler Scott Boland has also been picked in the Australian 13-member team squad for the upcoming test series with the West Indies.
Squad for 1st Test Match against West Indies:
Pat Cummins (Captain), Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (Wicket-keeper), Scott Boland, Mathew Renshaw, Cameron Green, Nathan Lyon
Schedule of 2-match Test Series:
1st Test Match – Australia vs West Indies – 17th – 21st January, 2024 at Adelaide.
2nd Test Match – Australia vs West Indies – 25th – 29th January, 2024 at Brisbane.