Steve Smith has batted away criticism of his promotion to the top of the Test batting order, suggesting doubters take a look at the statistics.

Long settled at No. 4 in Australia’s Test set-up, Smith replaced veteran opener David Warner following his retirement for the West Indies series. The move prompted some scepticism from pundits about his ability to handle the extra bounce and swing on offer from the new ball.

The 34-year-old’s first innings as Test opener in his 106th Test in Adelaide yielded 12 runs before debutant Shamar Joseph got the prized scalp with his first ball in the longest format of the game. Smith then scored an unbeaten 11 in the second innings, followed by a six in the first essay at the Gabba and carrying his bat with an unbeaten 91.

“There was a lot of commentary around I’d failed in two or three innings or whatever it was,” Smith said in Melbourne on Wednesday. “I had a not out and two low scores. 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.”

Pacer Shamar, who took the final wicket of Josh Hazlewood, bowled through pain in Brisbane to give his team a first Test win Down Under since 1997 with an incredible eight-run upset.

The Australian will be back to his No. 4 spot for the opener of the one-day leg of the series starting in Melbourne on Friday, and will lead the hosts in Pat Cummins’ absence.

With Warner also retired from the one-day format and Mitchell Marsh to miss out, Smith will lead a much-changed side from the outfit that won the World Cup in India in November.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis will partner Travis Head at the top of the order, with all-rounder Cameron Green promoted to No. 3.

Western Australian pacer Lance Morris is poised to make his international debut while uncapped Queensland quick Xavier Bartlett may also feature.

Looking forward to a good series, Smith said his role would be to teach the new faces “the ropes”.