MELBOURNE: Australia’s new-look batting lineup was revealed by Pat Cummins on Tuesday. Steve Smith will bat first and Cameron Green will bat fourth in the team’s first test against the West Indies, which begins on Wednesday at Adelaide Oval.
One of the greatest batters of his generation, Smith was a late contender to take David Warner’s place after the seasoned opener left the game following Australia’s three-match series victory over Pakistan over the New Year.
The 24-year-old Green, who has been a consistent run scorer for Western Australia, can now play his 25th test at the position as a result of his promotion up the order.
“We thought Cam Green was one of our top six batters, and we were pretty open about it.”
“It wasn’t until around then that we started chatting seriously to (Smith) and found out just how keen he was …”It all made sense to put Green in a situation that he is familiar with and Smithy in one that he would love to bat in.”
In their fourth test of the home summer, Cummins and fellow quicks Josh Hazlewood and Mitch Starc will have plenty of bowling alternatives to relieve some of the burden, with to the inclusion of all-rounders Green and Mitch Marsh in the squad.
