Warner retired from Test cricket after the last match against Pakistan in Sydney, ending his 12-year stint as a top-order batsman. Initially, Bancroft, Harris, and Renshaw were considered for the opening role, but Smith expressed his interest last week.

Chief selector George Bailey announced, “Steve Smith will open, and Cameron Green will bat at number four. Steve is motivated and eager for the challenge. It’s something he believes he can do, and it fits our team.”

Green, who was temporarily sidelined by Mitchell Marsh’s excellent performance as an all-rounder, will return primarily as a batsman. Shifting Smith up the order allows selectors to utilize Green’s batting skills.

Renshaw, the only change in the 13-man squad for the upcoming two-Test series, got a Test lifeline. Bancroft and Harris were left out, a setback for Bancroft, the leading run-scorer in Sheffield Shield over the last two seasons.

The pace trio of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc, who played all three Tests against Pakistan, might face workload management challenges. If needed, Boland will step in.

The ODI squad for the West Indies series sees Cummins rested, and Smith taking over as captain. Marsh, Starc, and Hazlewood will also sit out the ODIs.

Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (capt),  Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja,  Nathan Lyon,Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Matt Renshaw, Josh Hazlewood, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc,Scott Boland,.

Australia ODI squad: Steve Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Adam Zampa,Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Travis Head, Matt Short.