‘His only position is to open’ - Michael Vaughan on Steve Smith’s T20I batting position

Ace Australian batter Steve Smith is undoubtedly one of the greatest batters of the current generation. However, despite boasting exceptional numbers in Test and ODI cricket, the 34-year-old has often struggled to make his mark in T20 cricket. Smith has managed to amass 1079 runs in the shortest format in the 65 matches. 

After a good season in the BBL in 2022, he opened the batting for Australia in T20I cricket in the first two T20Is against India in November 2023. Seeing his performance, former England cricketer Michael Vaughan came forward to talk about how Smith should continue to open for Australia in T20Is.

Also read: Mitchell Marsh confirms Australia's top-order for the 2024 T20 World Cup, no room for Steve Smith

"I think his only position really is to open, because he has the skill in the game to maximise those first six overs brilliantly. He is a skilled player. 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," Vaughan told Fox Sports.

"If he is not going to open, I don’t see him having an impact in the middle order after the powerplay. You need people who can whack it into the stands from (overs) six to 20. He can do that once he is in, but I think he is a better player in the first six (overs) when there are only two men outside the circle," he added.

I would go Warner-Head: Michael Vaughan

Vaughan was asked about his optimal pairing to open for Australia in the upcoming T20 World Cup. He opted for the likes of David Warner and Travis Head to open the innings for the Men in Yellow in the marquee tournament. 

"I would go Warner-Head. You want to go ultra aggressive at the top of the order in T20 cricket. I think you go ultra-aggressive in your top three with players who can crack it. You have 120 balls … and you want your most aggressive players facing most of those balls. enjoyed the method of both the West Indies and Australia in that three match series and I think both teams are going to be very dangerous in the World Cup," said Vaughan.