Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has firmly opposed the notion of Steve Smith taking up the opening role in Test matches, branding the idea as "crazy" and raising concerns about the potential disruption it could cause to the team's balance. Hayden, a celebrated figure in Australian cricket known for his prolific opening career, is particularly vocal about his belief that Smith’s established position in the middle order should not be altered for the sake of experimentation.
In his recent comments at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai, Hayden emphasized the crucial nature of the top three positions in the Test batting lineup. He acknowledged that the national selector George Bailey’s decision to integrate the best six batsmen into the top order made sense in theory. Nevertheless, Hayden is adamant that Steve Smith’s impressive record—averaging 57 in Test matches with 32 centuries—should not be jeopardized by a positional change.
Hayden’s apprehensions are rooted in the specific challenges faced by openers, particularly when playing in challenging conditions outside Australia. Smith’s recent stint as an opener, which included performances in the home series against the West Indies and the tour of New Zealand, did not meet expectations. Over eight innings, Smith scored just one half-century and averaged a modest 28.50, a significant decline from his stellar averages of 67.07 at No. 3 and 61.50 at No. 4.
"I, personally, as I said at the time, was on record saying that I didn't like changing," Hayden reiterated. "I think it's crazy to think that you have the world's best-in-class batter in a certain position, and then you change to a completely different position. For a few reasons, I think that's crazy. Firstly, why? Such a gun in that position, such a coveted player."
Hayden further argued that the role of an opening batsman is crucial and should be filled by those who have been specifically trained and groomed for this position through Australia’s domestic cricket system. He stressed the importance of preserving the integrity of the top three batting positions, suggesting that they play a pivotal role in setting up the innings and shaping the team's success. "The [batting positions of] one, two, and three is a category which needs to be protected in my opinion. It sets up play," Hayden stated.
This debate highlights ongoing discussions within Australian cricket about optimal player positioning and the impact of strategic decisions on team dynamics. Hayden’s perspective underscores the broader considerations involved in making such changes, emphasizing the need to maintain a stable and effective batting lineup.
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