Smith on getting to open in Tests: “I have enjoyed the first couple of weeks.”

. Smith assumed a new position in the format subsequent to the retirement of David Warner, notwithstanding his notable achievements at No.4 in recent years.

Despite an initial shaky start, with scores of 12, 11*, and 6 in the first three innings of the series, he nearly led Australia to victory in the final innings of the West Indies match at the Gabba Pavilion by carrying his bat. “There was a lot of commentary around I’d failed in two or three innings – I had a not out and two low scores,” according to Smith. “My current average as an opener is sixty. It was a routine position; I have repeatedly struggled with the new ball, particularly when it entered the field early. “The initial two weeks have been enjoyable… Should they decide to demote me, I will fulfill any obligations that the team requires.”

Young West Indies pace prodigy Shamar Joseph, who orchestrated a magnificent comeback to take seven wickets and propel his team to a memorable victory, was lauded by Smith. “I overheard a conversation, I think we were seven down just before lunch and I overheard him speaking to Kraigg (Brathwaite) … he’s like, ‘I’m bowling to the end, man’,” Smith recalls. “He is a rare talent, and I believe it’s fantastic for cricket that he witnessed the West Indies contend in the manner that they did.” “He simply kept coming in, and I believe he bowled faster in the end than he did at the beginning.”

Smith acknowledged that, after Australia was forced to share the series due to an eight-run loss in the Test, he probably could have attempted to leave Josh Hazlewood with a single delivery from Joseph in the over in which the tailender was ultimately dispatched to give West Indies the victory. “I’ve thought about it, whether we could do different things,” asserted Smith. “Perhaps I could have taken five balls off Shamar; it’s evident that he was on fire.” However, doing so could potentially result in Alzarri (Joseph) failing to score on the final delivery, forcing ‘Hoff’ (Hazlewood) to collect all six from Alzarri.

Smith will now captain Australia in the forthcoming One-Day International series against the West Indies, which begins on Friday at the MCG. This will be the first 50-over assignment for Australia since their victory in the World Cup in India last November.