Gearing up to open batting for Australia in Tests, Steve Smith on Saturday asserted that it was not a new role for him since he has the experience batting at No. 3 and likes the challenge of facing the new ball.

Smith will be replacing the now-retired David Warner as the opener for the upcoming home Tests against the West Indies.

Warner played his final series earlier this month at home against Pakistan.

Set to open alongside Usman Khawaja, Smith said he had been waiting for a long time to bat up the order, especially since Marnus Labuschagne has been batting at No. 3 lately.

“Since Marnus has been back playing at No.3, I’ve been waiting to bat for quite a long period of time. I don’t like waiting to bat, so I thought why don’t I put my hand up and have a crack up (at the) top? That way, you can get Cameron Green in and you’re playing your best six batters,” he told Fox Sports.

“I am (excited). I like facing the newer ball. If you look back to the 2019 Ashes, I was in pretty early there most of the time where I was facing the new ball.”

“I batted No.3 from a number of years as well and was in early and did pretty well against the new ball. So, it’s nothing new to me. I enjoy getting in there, and I’m looking forward to that challenge.”