Australia’s star batter Steve Smith gave a befitting reply to critics who questioned his suitability as an opener for Australia in Test cricket.

Following the retirement of David Warner earlier this month, Smith expressed his desire to open the batting in the longest format and his wish was granted by the team management in the recently-concluded Test series against the West Indies.

While Smith registered scores of 12, 11* and 6 in his first three innings, he returned with an unbeaten knock of 91 in the second innings of the Gabba Test to nearly take Australia over the line.

Addressing the criticism surrounding his early performances, Smith said that despite the negative comments, he remained unfazed by his low scores.

“There was a lot of commentary around I’d failed in two or three innings or whatever it was; I had a not out and two low scores,” Smith told reporters at the MCG on Wednesday (January 31).

“And now I think I’m averaging 60 as an opener. I didn’t really read too much into it. It was just another position. I’ve batted against a new ball numerous times, coming in early, so, for me, it’s just a position I’m just playing, and that’s it,” he added.

While Smith is not sure whether he will continue as a Test opener, Smith expressed that he relished the experience of batting at the top.

“I’ll bat really wherever the team needs me to. I’m comfortable up top; I’ve enjoyed the first couple of weeks of it,” Smith stated.

“I don’t know if they see fit to move me back down or what; I’ll do whatever the team needs, but for now, I’m enjoying it up top.”

Steve Smith will be next seen in action as captain of the Australian team in the ODI series against West Indies, starting on February 2 in Melbourne.