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Why Gilchrist thinks Smith’s failed opener move reignited Test career
Lachlan Geleit • February 21st, 2025 3:58 pm
Adam Gilchrist thinks that Steve Smith’s failed move to open the batting could have reignited his career.
Smith moved to the top of the order for two matches against the West Indies and two further matches against New Zealand away from home in 2024 after the retirement of David Warner.
While Smith’s move helped Australia fit Cam Green into the side at No. 4, it didn’t work out great for the veteran who made 171 at an average of 28.50 from eight innings.
With Green injured last off-season, Smith was able to slot back in at his preferred slot and it immediately paid dividends, scoring 586 runs at an average of 53.27 from his last seven Tests, with four centuries coming in that period.
Even though Smith may regret moving away from No. 4, Gilchrist thinks the shift helped him find his hunger to score runs again and could extend the 35-year-old’s career.
“Ironically, I think that move to the top of the order, which was a failure in what they were thinking might possibly be achievable for him as an opener could suddenly get more out of him,” he told Whateley on SEN.
“I am not saying that as a criticism, but that, to me, I think was the catalyst to him re-finding his hunger and that might be the injection of enthusiasm he needs for another three to four years.
“Anything’s possible with a guy who we shouldn’t put any boundaries on, or any restrictions on, what might be achievable for him.”
Those four centuries from his last five Tests have also vaulted Smith into historical territory as he passed 10,000 runs and scored his 36th ton in the format.
Currently ranked equal fifth all-time in overall Test centuries, Gilchrist thinks that Smith could rise as high as third and become Australia’s top Test ton maker of all-time ahead of Ricky Ponting on 41.
“(Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 51 Test centuries) looks like it might be a bridge too far, but certainly the Australian Ponting century record, that’s well and truly back on the radar,” Gilchrist said.
“It’s just fascinating for those of us who watched so much cricket to be intrigued closely by minor things like his foot movements or hand positions or the way he will take on a certain bowler in a certain way.
“He’s well and truly back to his best.”
Smith and Australia next play Test cricket in the World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord’s in June.
