Smith ‘certainly interested’ in replacing Warner at top of order but Ponting isn’t a fan of the idea

Steve Smith has put his hand up to replace David Warner at the top of the order when he retires, declaring he is “certainly interested” in the move.

While the attention is rightly on Warner ahead of the final knock in his Test career, it won’t be long before the debate over who partners Usman Khawaja reignites.

A report from News Corp on Friday claimed that Marcus Harris has emerged as the frontrunner in a two-man race, with Cameron Green the other leading option.

Matthew Renshaw and Cameron Bancroft had also been floated as contenders to replace Warner, while Shane Watson pushed Smith’s name forward as a surprise candidate.

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“I like, knowing the person, the idea of Steve Smith opening,” Watson told journalists Gideon Haigh and Peter Lalor at a cricket event on the eve of the SCG Test.

“The reason why is that No. 3 is the perfect position for him. When he’s the man, he feels like he is the one who has to score the bulk of runs for his team, and when he was in his most prolific period, which was a long period of time, most of it was batting at No. 3.

“When he was at No. 3 … he was scoring runs for fun, but when he comes in at No. 4, often the work’s been done, and finding motivation is more challenging for him.

“Steve Smith opening the batting, he has got the technique, is the challenge he needs.

“My concern is that if Steve Smith isn’t given a challenge, he might shut things down earlier than he needs.”

It certainly seems like something Smith would be keen on too if his comments to ABC Radio after Day 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground are anything to go by.

“I’m actually happy to go up the top,” Smith said.

“I’m sure the selectors and Ron (coach Andrew McDonald) and Patty (Pat Cummins) will have a chat after this game, but I am certainly interested. For sure.”

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While Green is also an intriguing option, Watson said he “just needs a bit more time” and promoting Smith to the top of the order would mean the 24-year-old instead has to find his way back into the Australian XI.

If Green is able to do just that, moving Smith up would also allow the all-rounder to bat at No.4, his preferred position.

Alex Carey told reporters on Friday that Smith would rise to the challenge if called on to replace Warner.

“I think Steve can bat wherever he wants,” Carey said.

“He’s probably proven in his career [that] whatever challenge is thrown at him he’s found a way to succeed. I don’t know which way it’ll all end, it’s all just really exciting to be part of David’s last game and really celebrate that.

“Big shoes to fill though and whoever gets the opportunity will no doubt do a great job. We’ve got some great openers doing a fantastic job, obviously a few other names are thrown out there and Smudge putting his hat in the ring… if he was to get the call-up, he’d do a great job no doubt. He’s faced the new ball a number of times.”

Not everyone is a fan of moving Smith though, with former Australian captain Ricky Ponting arguing it would “disrupt” the “backbone” of Australia’s batting line-up.

“I wouldn’t like to see him move from his number four position, to be honest,” Ponting said on Channel 7.

“All this conversation is all about is how do we possibly get Cameron Green back into the side. And if they’re going to do it, as far as I’m concerned it has to be with the least disruption to the batting order as it is.

“Smith and Labuschagne have been magnificent at three and four, they’ve been the backbone of Australia’s batting for the last three or four years since Labuschagne came into the team, and I wouldn’t like to see that disrupted, to be honest.

“Let’s wait and see … I’m putting my hand up, I said it a few weeks ago I think it should be Cameron Bancroft the man to get that chance.”

Steve Smith Test batting average by position

No. 3 – 67.07

No. 4 – 61.70

No. 5 – 57.18

No. 6 – 25.00

No. 7 and lower – 36.83