“If he is not going to open, I don’t think he should play” – Michael Vaughan on Steve Smith’s getting place in the Australian T20I side for World Cup.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has suggested that Steve Smith should be considered as an opening batsman to secure a spot in the Australian T20I squad.

Despite displaying exceptional performance in Test and ODI cricket, the 34-year-old has faced challenges in the shortest format while representing Australia. Smith’s T20I record reflects an average of 25.69 and a strike rate of 125.17 in 65 matches.

Following an impressive 2022 BBL season, Smith was given the opportunity to open the batting for Australia in the first two T20Is against India in November last year. He managed a score of 52 off 41 balls in the first match and 19 in the second.

In an interview with Fox Sports, Vaughan expressed his belief that Smith’s effectiveness in the Australian T20I team increases significantly if he is deployed as an opener.

Vaughan said “I think his only position really is to open, because he has the skill in the game to maximise that first six overs brilliantly. He is a skilful player. But if he is not going to open, I don’t think he should play. If you are going to play him, he bats in the top two, and that is great. He will face 50 balls and get you an 80 or 90,”If he is not going to open, I don’t see him having an impact in the middle order after the powerplay. You need people who can whack it into the stands from (overs) six to 20. He can do that once he is in, but I think he is a better player in the first six (overs) when there are only two men outside the circle.”

Australian T20I captain Mitchell Marsh has confirmed that David Warner and Travis Head will open the innings, with Marsh himself slated to bat at No. 3 in the upcoming series against New Zealand.

However, Marsh also indicated that Australia will experiment with different playing elevens during the series to finalize the best combination ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.