“We’ll consider all options”: Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald opens up on opening slot as Steve Smith interested in Test opener role after Warner’s retirement.

Former Australia captain Steve Smith has expressed his interest in partnering with Usman Khawaja as an opener in Test cricket, following David Warner’s retirement from the longest format. With specialized openers Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Matt Renshaw under scrutiny, the team management is also contemplating the possibility of Cameron Green taking up the opening position.

In response to Smith’s inclination towards opening in Test cricket, head coach Andrew McDonald asserted that all players are being considered for the role. McDonald highlighted Smith’s success at No. 3 and 4, expressing some reluctance to shift him to the top of the order.

“(Steve) had some strong thoughts, he’s made those public. So we’ll consider all options. It’s nice to have him putting his hand up. I think there were a few others that weren’t putting their hand up. But Steve at No.3 or No.4 is pretty appetising also. You’ve got to make sure you’re not removing the strengths of the team in the search to fill a gap also. So there’s a balance within that”, said McDonald