Ian Healy urges Australia to use Steve Smith as an opener in white-ball cricket

Steve Smith [Source: Twitter]

Recently, veteran Australian batter Steve Smith showcased his versatility, playing three consecutive belligerent knocks in the ongoing Big Bash League. 

While he hammered two blistering centuries against Strikers and Thunder, his flamboyant 33-ball 66 helped the Sixers record a 24-run win over Hobart Hurricanes in their final group-stage fixture. 

So, considering Smith's red-hot recent form, legendary former Australian keeper-batter Ian Healy has urged the selectors to slot him at the top in both white-ball formats. 

Speaking to Sportsday NSW, Healy opined that as David Warner and Aaron Finch are struggling with their form, Australia should reconsider Smith in T20Is. The veteran also revealed his wish to see Smith as an opener in the 50-over format. 

Here's what Healy stated

"Definitely, how could you not? (Whether he would like to see Smith open in the shortest format) Who opened with (David) Warner in the T20 World Cup? It was Finchy (Aaron Finch) who was the captain. Both Warner and Finch aren't playing anywhere near as well as Smith, so he overtakes both of those in my eyes with the way he's batting now,

"We don't play many international T20s so hopefully he's doing this (scoring big in BBL) in the lead-up to the next World Cup. Even in the 50-over game I'd be opening with him as well."

Meanwhile, Smith will next be seen playing for Sydney Sixers against Perth Scorchers in the BBL 12 qualifier scheduled on January 28. 

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