Steve Smith set to open for Australia in T20I series against South Africa: George Bailey

George Bailey, Australia's chairman of selectors has said that the ace batter, Steve Smith, will open the batting in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. The three-match T20I series between South Africa and Australia will begin on August 30, in Durban, South Africa. Following that, the hosts will play a five-game ODI series against the Aussies as well.
 
Notably, Smith shone in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2022-23 season, while opening for the Sydney Sixers and demonstrated his outstanding batting abilities. His spectacular performances earned him the slot in the BBL's official team after playing just five games and now earned him the opening slot in the T20I series against South Africa.

Australia wanted to give Smith the opportunity to open in the limited-overs format, according to Bailey. The 40-year-old also stated that they wanted Smith to replicate his heroics from the previous BBL season in international games as well. 

“He’s the one guy out of that multi-format players heading across (for the T20s). We wanted to give him that opportunity. It was pretty exhilarating, his innings in the Big Bash, and I thought it highlighted the skill set he has and what he can do. The way he played in the Big Bash, we wanted to see that replicated internationally," Bailey was quoted as saying by Fox Cricket.

“He was really keen to come across and be a part of that. That may mean he has a rest through a couple of the one-dayers (against South Africa). Certainly excited to see him bring that Big Bash opening outlook into that role internationally," the former Australia skipper added.

Smith had sublime run with Sydney Sixers in BBL 2022-23 edition

Steve Smith made a tremendous return to the BBL in 2022-23, by taking the bowlers to the cleaners. As a result, the unorthodox batter ended up accumulating 346 runs from his five appearances for the Sydney Sixers. Moreover, Smith piled up runs for fun at a staggering average of 86.50.

The 34-year-old became the Sixers' first player to hit a century that too twice. As a result of his tremendous batting, he finished the season with the most sixes of any player in the tournament.