New Delhi, Nov 17 (NationPress) Chris Rogers, a former Australian cricketer and the current coach for Victoria, has expressed strong support for Peter Handscomb as the prime candidate to fill the No. 4 batting position in Test matches following the anticipated retirement of veteran Steve Smith.

Speaking on Fox Cricket’s Domesticated, Rogers asserted that when Smith eventually steps down, the national selectors won’t have to search far for a competent replacement in Handscomb.

“If he gets the opportunity again, I believe he’ll be much more prepared,” Rogers noted regarding Handscomb. “Should Smith retire and the need arises for a dependable Test No. 4, I truly think that could be Pete. I hope he continues to score runs for us, and that he earns another shot at the Test level,” he added.

Rogers further emphasized that the seasoned Victorian batsman deserves another shot in international cricket, pointing out that Handscomb has significantly improved as a player since his initial outings eight years ago.

“He doesn’t receive the recognition he merits. There’s a common misconception that he remains the same player he was during his Test career, but I’ve witnessed his development. He’s taken the time to realize that the batting style he employed back then wouldn’t hold up, and while it took him a while to overcome that stubbornness, he has since embraced a new approach,” he explained.

“If you observe the century he scored against Starc and Hazlewood, you’ll notice a markedly different approach. He was proactive in getting forward, looking to punch the ball back rather than simply remaining on the back foot. This game plan would serve him well in international cricket,” he remarked.

Currently, Handscomb, who has represented Australia in 20 Tests from 2016 to 2023, stands as the second-highest run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield with 350 runs at an average of 43.75. He has been appointed captain for the two-day pink-ball match in Canberra, commencing on November 29, which will serve as crucial preparation ahead of the day-night Test at the Gabba.

Last week, he achieved a century against a formidable bowling lineup that included Test stars Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon during Victoria's 300-run triumph over NSW at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The 34-year-old batsman made his international debut against South Africa in 2016 and scored two centuries in his first four Tests. His last appearance for Australia was during the 2023 Test series in India, and he was expected to be included in the squad for the recent Test tour of Sri Lanka but was ultimately not selected.