Teammate says Smith switch would be 'massive win'

Marnus Labuschagne has thrown his support behind Steve Smith as new Australian Test opener.

The race to become David Warner's replacement has seemingly narrowed to two candidates – Smith and Cameron Green.

But with Green flagged as a future long-term option at Smith's No.4 position, it's the former skipper who is believed to be the preferred candidate to move up the order and join Usman Khawaja beginning with the two-Test series against the West Indies.

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"I have no doubt he'd do a good job," Labuschagne told media on Tuesday.

"He's excited for a new challenge, and if that motivates him and that gives the cricket world Steve Smith for another two or three years, that's a massive win."

Endorsement of Smith at the top of the order has also come from former Test captain Mark Taylor who said it would be "a good move", particularly if Smith himself is keen on the promotion.

While Travis Head and Mitch Marsh were the early favourites, both expressed concerns about changing their roles in the team given they've only recently cemented themselves in the middle order.

Selectors have been criticised in the past for shuffling the order and moving players into roles they're not comfortable playing.

They've also come under fire for not picking the Test squad based on Sheffield Shield form, where Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw and Marcus Harris have all been making runs.

But Labuschagne suggested Smith's willingness to open, and Green's own Shield average, was enough for him to believe this was the answer.

"(Green) has a sound technique, he's got a great defence, and that's the versatility you need to bat four," he said.

"It seems like it's more the player who wants to move up, rather than move things around and try and find a position for Cam.

"Cameron Green is also averaging over 50 in Shield cricket – there's not many guys doing that.  

"That's not a kick at all on Shield cricket, it's a tough comparison to make."

Labuschagne and Khawaja will pad up for the Brisbane Heat in their BBL clash against the Scorchers at the Gabba on Wednesday night.

Smith has been named in the Sydney Sixers squad to take on the Thunder in the Sydney Smash at the SCG on Friday.