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'If I Am Opposition, I Want Steve Smith To...' - Tim Paine Reveals His Wish For Ace Batter

Steve Smith has struggled since opening the innings [X.com]Steve Smith has struggled since opening the innings [X.com]

Tim Paine was critical of Australia's decision to move their legendary middle-order batter Steve Smith to open the innings amidst a phase of evident decline in the right-hander's Test game. 

The former Aussie skipper said opposition attacks would prefer the great batter opening the innings as it allows them to target the chinks in his armoury against the new ball. 

Paine's remarks came after Smith endured a horrific tour of New Zealand where he collected just 51 runs across four innings. Ever since he moved up at the fag end of the home season against the West Indies, the 34-year-old has made just one half-century in eight innings. 

Paine Not Convinced With Smith Opening In Tests 

"I look at it, that if I was playing against Australia, where would I prefer Steve Smith to bat? If I'm the opposition, I want him opening the batting," Paine told ESPNcricinfo. "I want my best bowlers at their freshest with a brand new ball. I was in that Ashes in 2019 and went to England with him in another one and when he was at his best batting at four you just felt he couldn't get out."

Smith put his hand up to open the innings upon David Warner's retirement after the Pakistan series in January, partly to ensure the team could play promising allrounder Cameron Green in the side at No. 4.

But even though Green relished the opportunity and assurance in the team with runs against the BlackCaps, his experienced teammate hasn't faired well in his new and more challenging spot.

Undergoing a gradual decline in his reflexes, Smith has had bowlers sneaking through his defence frequently this season. He was out LBW twice in the last Test in Christchurch, with Ben Sears and Matt Henry sending him back cheaply.