While smith: Cricket News & Match Updates

Ian Chappell: As Australia prepares for their upcoming Test series against the West Indies, a surprising twist in the batting order has stirred debate and caution from former Test captain Ian Chappell as he has advised Australia against moving Steven Smith up the batting order, emphasising the importance of preserving the middle-order strength.

Smith will open against the West Indies in Adelaide Test match starting from January 17, after chief selector George Bailey picked specialist Matthew Renshaw in the squad on Wednesday but revealed he won't make the final XI.

Smith has never opened the batting in his 187 Test innings. He averages an enviable 61.50 batting at No.4, and that increases to 67.07 from 29 innings when at No.3.   Read More...