'I think opening with Steve Smith is crazy' - Matthew Hayden ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Steve Smith averages only 28 as an opener in test cricket.

Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, legendary Australian opener Matthew Hayden has opined that pushing Steve Smith to open in test cricket earlier this year was a “crazy” decision.

Smith replaced the retired David Warner as an opener and has mostly been underwhelming so far. In his new position, he averages only 28 with one fifty in eight innings.

Smith had had incredible success in the middle-order. At number, Smith averaged 61 and had an average of 67 at number three.

However, in a bid to challenge himself in a new role, Smith asked to be moved up the order, a request that was accepted by the chief selector George Bailey and captain Pat Cummins as it allowed them to include Cameron Green in the side.

While Green’s has done superbly since his return to the test XI, Smith’s lack of form as an opener has got the Aussies concerned. So much that even Usman Khawaja has publicaly stated that Smith’s best position in at number four.

Smith was such a gun in that number four position: Hayden

Hayden is unimpressed with Smith’s change in batting position.

On Monday, while at an event in Mumbai, Hayden said, “I, personally, as I said at the time, was on record saying that I didn’t like changing. I think it’s crazy to think that you have the world’s best-in-class batter in a certain position. And then you change to a completely different position. For a few reasons, I think that’s crazy. Firstly, why? Such a gun in that position, such a coveted player.

Once confident about his opening position, Smith has now said that he has “no idea” whether he will open against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series later this year.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.