Last Updated on 3 years by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Steve Smith told to move away from anchor role in T20s | Steve Smith role to move away from anchor in T20 cricket
The Australian team is encouraging Steve Smith to assume a more free-flowing role whilst playing in the middle-order of their T20I setup. Smith has predominantly been the anchor in the current Aussie line-up but he might have to adopt a more dynamic approach with youngsters like Josh Inglis and Tim David breathing down his neck now.
Australia are set to play 11 T20Is before they embark on their journey to defend their World T20 crown Down Under later this year. ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ has been the mantra for success for cricket teams across the world. But the Aussies would be wary of any complacency and will be eager to make the necessary changes to improve their team as they head into the mega tournament.
Excited to get rid of that tag in T20s – Steve Smith
Smith’s role along with that of Aaron Finch has come under scanner recently as the experienced duo are enduring a period of indifferent form in T20 cricket. Now, this latest development arguably indicates that the management is keen to see Smith firing again before fresh concerns are raised over his inclusion in the squad.
“I’m pretty excited that tag’s been taken off, to be honest with you. Diva (stand-in coach Michael di Venuto) actually told me the other day … he said ‘we’re getting rid of that tag, that’s gone. Just go out and play freely. If you want to smack your first or second ball for six, go for it’,” the 33-year-old told cricket.com.au as the team prepares for the upcoming T20I series vs Sri Lanka.
He added, “So now it’s just about going out and playing freely and trusting my instincts, which I think I’ve done well over any format for a long time, instead of being a bit more reserved and trying not to get out, which I don’t think the right way to play T20 cricket. They’ve got rid of that ‘Mr. Fix-it’ tag.”
The 33-year-old explained that one cannot be aggressive and ‘free-flowing’ in the role of an anchor. He said that there is a sudden urge to switch on the gears when players like Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell are waiting in the dressing room.
“That’s not the way I’d generally play the game. When I’m playing well, I’m just hitting the gaps really nicely, I’m not trying to over-hit the ball. I’m just playing what’s in front of me, not thinking too much about getting out or letting the team down,” Smith further opened up on the issue.
Here is Australia’s confirmed playing XI for the first T20I against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Tuesday: Aaron Finch (captain), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wicketkeeper), Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Josh Hazlewood.
