Australia retains religion in ‘problem-solver’ Smith as opener

Steve Smith’s first outing as a Test opener might not have gone to plan however Australia coach Andrew McDonald mentioned he had the complete assist of the group and that it might take time for him to construct a relationship with Usman Khawaja on the prime of the order.

Smith, who moved up from quantity 4 following David Warner’s retirement, made 12 and 11 not out within the sequence opener towards West Indies, which Australia gained inside seven classes.

Warner and Khawaja had performed junior cricket collectively and shared an incredible chemistry on the prime of the order, and McDonald mentioned Australia would let the brand new opening partnership develop the identical form of rapport.

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“I suppose it’s more just the connection of Usman and Smudge (Smith) over time,” McDonald mentioned.

“We’ve seen Davey and Usman’s connection and then the partnerships that they’ve been able to produce.

“They’re world-class performers at the top of the order and we think Steve Smith is one of the best problem-solvers in the game.

“We’ve said that leading into this and it makes sense for us that he’s at the top.”

West Indies quick bowler Shamar Joseph, who made his Test debut in Adelaide, dismissed Smith together with his first ball in worldwide cricket and claimed 5-94 within the first innings.

Another debutant, Justin Greaves, claimed 2-36 however McDonald was assured Australian batters would do higher within the day-night second Test in Brisbane, starting on Thursday, having gained some familiarity with the brand new West Indies assault.

“Sight unseen is always difficult for batters, when you haven’t seen someone and gotten used to their rhythm and the cues they present,” McDonald mentioned.

“Sometimes you do get drawn into shots that potentially you don’t play.

“We feel as though now that there’s less unknowns going into the second Test match, we’ve had a good look at them, a lot of those little decision-making errors that may have crept in I think will iron themselves out.”