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‘It’s time…’: Sacrifice Smith must make; great’s shock next in line — Verdict on summer’s Aussie XI

Former Australian opener David Warner has urged ex-teammate Steve Smith to make a shock late-career change beginning with the summer’s Tests against New Zealand.

Published: Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 9:25 PM
‘It’s time…’: Sacrifice Smith must make; great’s shock next in line — Verdict on summer’s Aussie XI
Key Things to Know
  • David Warner urged Steve Smith to move to No. 3 to stabilize Australia's Test batting lineup.
  • Warner, Mark Waugh, and Kerry O’Keeffe all omitted Marnus Labuschagne from their preferred Test teams.
  • Kerry O'Keeffe and Mark Waugh proposed elevating Josh Inglis to bat at No. 3 instead.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Australian cricket greats David Warner, Mark Waugh, and Kerry O’Keeffe have offered their preferred batting lineups for the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand. Warner urged Steve Smith to move up to No. 3 in the order to provide team continuity and allow Cameron Green to remain settled at No. 4, effectively replacing Marnus Labuschagne following his poor run of form.

While O’Keeffe and Waugh suggested Josh Inglis could bat at No. 3 with Smith staying at No. 4, all three pundits agreed on dropping Labuschagne. Additionally, O’Keeffe named Queensland batter Jack Clayton and Victorian wicketkeeper Sam Harper as surprise reserve options for the Test squad.

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