Srinagar: Former Australia captain Michael Clark has made a huge prdiction about Steve Smith in Test Cricket if the batter starts to open batting for Australia.
Michael Clarke has predicted that if Steve Smith opens batting for Aystralia after David Warners retirement, he will be No.1 Tes batter within next 12 months and can also break Brian Lara’s long standing record of 400 runs in an inning.
Speaking on ESPN’s Around The Wicket, Michael Clarke said that Australian skipper Pat Cummins will allow Smith to open the innings in Test if he wants.
“If he wants to do it, I think they will allow him to do it. Listening to Patty Cummins’ quotes, I think it’s a simple swap. I think Cameron Green is going to come in to open the batting for David Warner unless Steve Smith wants to do it. If he does, they might go Steve Smith to open and Cam Green at No.4 or Green to No.6,” Clarke said.
Steve Smith has played a Test innings as a opener since his debut in the format in 2010. The 34-year-old has often batted at No.4 and he performed well in that position, scored 7670, including 24 centuries, at an average of 57.23 in 89 matches.
“He [Smith] is that good a player. It might be that challenge he’s looking for. If he opens, he will be the best opener within 12 months. Don’t be surprised if he breaks Brian Lara’s 400 record because he’s that good and now he’s got the whole day,” Clarke said.