T20 wc spot

New Zealand T20Is: Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that if veteran batter Steve Smith isn't utilised as an opener in the shorter format, his spot in the squad for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States in June could be at risk.

Australian captain Mitch Marsh's confirmation that Travis Head and David Warner will be an opening pair for the three-match T20I series against New Zealand, which commences on Wednesday in Wellington, could present difficulties for Smith's prospects in the upcoming World Cup this year.

“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,” Vaughan told foxsports.com.au. "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.