New Delhi [India], November 16 (ANI): Former opener Matthew Hayden declared that Australia selectors "backed themselves into a corner," which led to them picking up a non-specialist opener for the much-awaited Border Gavaskar Trophy against India. Australia found themselves stuck in an opening conundrum after Steven Smith was restored into the middle order. Also Read | Australia vs Pakistan 2nd T20I 2024 Live Streaming Online in India: How To Watch AUS vs PAK Cricket Match Free Live Telecast on TV?.
Options were available in the form of Sam Konastas, Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft, but the selectors decided to hand young Nathan McSweeney his Test debut alongside Usman Khawaja. McSweeney, who usually features in the number three spot, will walk into an unknown territory when he steps up in Perth to open alongside Khawaja. Before giving his take on McSweeney's selection, Hayden opened up about promoting Smith to the opening slot.
Also Read | Rohit Sharma, Wife Ritika Sajdeh Welcome Baby Boy, India Test And ODI Captain Likely To Play IND vs AUS 1st Test In Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. After David Warner had his last dance in Test cricket in January, Smith took the brunt on his shoulder and made his case to open for Australia. In his short-lived stint, Smtih could only garner 171 runs at 28.
50, making it much more of a forgettable run. "This is exactly my point and why I disagreed with Steve Smith opening the batting. It wasn't a slight on Steve Smith's career.
It was more.
