I wont lie. I have been a Devon Smtih supporter.
Here is the reason. Since his recent comeback to the WI test scene (after he made that double ton against Guyana in a FC match) he has averaged close to 30 in test matches. This was before Barath came around.
His average was also representative of his scores. Meaning that it was not out weighed by a big ton.
My argument has always been that we are struggling to root new batsmen who are capable of making 30+ scores consistently.
Flash forward to this world cup...
He was picked as a back up opening batsman and some questions were raised. Again I am not all too sure we had a better 2nd string opening batsman to Barath. Smith has put up runs on a-team tours and in the regional One Day tourny.
Barath got injured and he was given a chance after failing in the warm up matches.
Current day...
Smith is the leading run scorer for the WI. Given it might not have looked the prettiest. Still lingering is his weakness against spin bowling.
Immediate future...
Smith will do allot in swaying a few opinions if he survive England's opening bowlers and go on to play Swann's 10 overs (or most of it) without falling to Swann or another spinner.
In fact I will go as far as saying that this might be a career defining match for him.
He is in form. Opening the batting in the sub continent against a team whit less than threatening seamers. So ideally he is matched up against his weakness in conditions favorable to his opponent.
If Smith makes this a 'Smith vs Swann' battle and come out with runs I will earn a bit more respect for him. And I think there are many who will agree with me there. Good luck sir!
