Cummins spells Smith warning for West Indies

Steve Smith is set to begin a new innings in his Test career as he steps out to open the batting for the very first time in the first Test of the ICC World Test Championship series against West Indies starting on Thursday.

Having expressed his desire to take up the role, vacated by David Warner's retirement, Smith appeared reinvigorated in the net session according to Cummins.

"It's a new challenge for him which I don’t think you can underestimate," Cummins said ahead of the first Test.

Smith keen to embrace new challenge

"It's as happy and as energetic as I've seen him around the nets in the last couple of days," the skipper added. 'He can't wait to get out there.

"I also think the new ball, there may be a few more scoring options and that's something that excites him."

Cummins, who was initially hesitant about Smith moving from his No.4 spot in the Test line-up is now more convinced about the unexpected move and stated that the veteran batter would "thrive anywhere he bats".

"Top of the order, the ball's a little bit harder and does ping off the bat a bit differently and potentially field placements might be a bit different.

"He thrives on that, he loves the problem-solving aspect of trying something new so it's all set up for him.

"It might not happen for him this week or next week, but I think knowing him he's going to do pretty well there."

Smith had earlier in the week said during a Big Bash League game that he took up the role because was "not a good waiter" and since Marnus Labuschagne's introduction at No.3, he's had to wait a lot of time to bat from No.4.

"I'm not a good waiter. When you're opening the batting there's none of that, you just get out there and get into your business," Smith said.

The first Test of the WTC25 series begins in Adelaide with the second Test to be played in Brisbane.