Steven Smith 'excited to face newer ball' as stiff opener trial awaits

Steven Smith expressed his excitement to open the innings for Australia in the forthcoming home Test series against the West Indies. The ace batter, who replaced the retired David Warner is set to open for the first time in the opening Test which will begin on January 17 at the Adelaide Oval.

The 34-year-old emphasised the 2019 Ashes series as a case in point and stated he can prosper against the new ball that's why he wanted his move to the top of the batting order. As he will open along with Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green might bat at No. 4, a previous position held by Smith. 

"I am (excited). I like facing the newer ball. I think you look back to 2019 Ashes, I was in pretty early there most of the time where I was facing the new ball. I batted No.3 for a number of years as well and was in early and did pretty well against the new ball. So it's nothing new or foreign to me. I enjoy getting in there and getting amongst it and I'm looking forward to that challenge," Smith told Fox Sports.

Smith discussed this, after Aaron Finch endorsed him to succeed as a Test opener, believing it could reinvigorate and rejuvenate him. The former Australia captain is absolutely confident about the world's former No.1-ranked batter Smith's adeptness when he bats at the top order. 

"When you've been one of the greatest players of all time, I think he'll (Smith) find it easier than most. Initially when it was floated, I didn't think it was the right idea. But the more I think about it, the more it makes a lot of sense. They're committed to playing the best six batters, they see Cameron Green in that. So to find a spot in that lineup, that made the most sense in the end," Finch said. 

"I think it will reinvigorate and rejuvenate him. Once you get on the merry-go-round of international cricket for 15 years it can become a bit monotonous I guess. I think that this will be the recharge he needs, so going into the future we can we can see a lot more of Steve Smith in Test cricket," the 37-year-old added.