Former Australia captain Kim Hughes has hit out at Australia’s decision to make Steve Smith open in Tests, saying that it “sends out the wrong message”.

Smith has been quite public about his interest in opening for Australia to replace the just-retired David Warner at the top. It materialised in the days following the Sydney New Year’s Test – Warner’s retirement game – with chief selector George Bailey announcing that Smith will open in the Test series against the West Indies.

While some have supported the decision – former captain Michael Clarke went on to say that Smith can become the best opener within 12 months and even break Brian Lara’s Test score of 400 – others aren’t as convinced.

Hughes, who captained Australia in 28 Tests between 1979 and 1984, was the previous youngest Test captain for Australia, before Smith broke the record in 2014.

Hughes isn’t too pleased with Cricket Australia’s decision to make Smith – who has played 105 Tests without ever playing at No.1 or 2 – as their new Test opener.

“I nearly vomited,” Hughes told WA Sport. “I’ve got no doubts in my mind that if Cameron Bancroft played for the New South Wales he’d be in the Test side. He’s in his prime”.

According to Hughes, Bancroft should have been the ideal candidate to take Warner’s place after his retirement.

Last week, Hughes, who like Bancroft represented Western Australia, had made another comment on Smith, criticising the same decision.

“Touch this, do this, do that [imitates Smith’s mannerisms]…never want to leave when I am given out,” Smith said on 10 News Australia. “He’s like a petulant kid. Smith is struggling at the moment. He’s been an absolute superstar, but as an opener, he is no more opener than me opening the bowling. He needs to stay at No.4, get his mojo back if you like, without all the fluff.”

Kim Hughes goes whack!! #PetulantSmith #MarblesBancroft pic.twitter.com/FrTmZWw0uN

— Lachy Reid (@Lachy_Reid) January 9, 2024

Speaking to the West Australian, Hughes said that players like Bancroft, who are doing well, might “well go and play marbles”.

“I think the other, and a very important thing is, you must reward those that are performing well, and our Sheffield Shield competition — yes it is not as strong as it used to be when he had our Test players playing in it — it is still the competition from which you can have a look and see who is playing well”.

“I just think get Bancroft in there, it also sends a message to the Shield players that if you perform, you’ll get picked.

“You may as well go and play marbles — it would be just shattering.”