Steve Smith will open the batting when Australia take on South Africa in the upcoming Twenty20 series, selectors said, putting him on the box seat to work alongside David Warner in next year’s T20 World Cup.
It marks a remarkable renaissance for the 34-year-old, who was largely overlooked for Australia’s starting XI in last year’s unsuccessful T20 World Cup campaign.
Smith, who usually bats at number three or four, re-launched himself as an opener for the Sydney Sixers in a small cameo in the Big Bash League at the end of last season, scoring two fine centuries .