3 Players Who Can Replace Steve Smith As An Opener In Border Gavaskar Trophy

Travis Head, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft [Source: @ImTanujSingh, @sportycast,@cricketcomau/x.com]Travis Head, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft [Source: @ImTanujSingh, @sportycast,@cricketcomau/x.com]

One of the most competitive face-offs in world cricket is Australia vs India. The two teams will soon be facing off in the coveted Border Gavaskar Trophy starting from November 2024. If the recent statements of the Chief Selector of Australia, George Bailey is to be believed then Steve Smith has requested a shuffle to back to the middle order in Test cricket. 

Notably, after David Warner's retirement last year, Steve Smith stepped up as the opener for Australia in Test cricket. This step was taken to put experience at the top of the order and also slot in Cameron Green in the middle-order. With Green being ruled out of the BGT 2024-25, Australia will be looking for solidity and experience in the middle-order and hence bringing Smith back into the middle order seems the most plausible idea. If Steve Smith returns back to his preferred number 4 position, then Australia will have to look for a specialist opener up top.

Here are three players who can replace Steve Smith as an opener during the Border Gavaskar Trophy - 

3. Matt Renshaw

The left-handed opener has played for Australia and has opened the innings for them. In the last couple of seasons, Matt Renshaw has shown great form in the domestic circuit, especially in the shorter formats of the game. He has the experience of doing the job for his national team and has also got decent numbers as an opener in Test cricket. One of the prime candidates for the opening slot during the Border Gavaskar Trophy will be Matt Renshaw. 

2. Marcus Harris

Marcus Harris debuted for Australia in 2018. He has not been a part of the international side for two years now. However, Harris has delivered on a consistent basis in the domestic circuit and is one of the prime contenders to take up the opening spot during the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Previously Harris has shown that he has got the temperament to be a successful opener in the longest format of international cricket. However, if he gets a chance agains, Harris will have to show more consistency to provide longevity to his career.

1. Cameron Bancroft

Considered as one of the future prospects of Australian cricket, Cameron Bancroft made his debut in 2017. The right-handed batter showed great promise and temperament at the top. However, controversies saw him out of action for a year and since then he has struggled to find his spot back in the international arena. However, Bancroft has been in the discussions for the past few months and if he can impress during the Australia A vs India games then Bancroft might be the one replacing Steve Smith as the opener.