New Zealand great Ian Smith calls for Jeet Raval axing after twin failures in Perth Test
New Zealand great Ian Smith has called for the axing of under-fire opener Jeet Raval, saying the Black Caps cannot afford to keep giving the left-hander a "free ride".
Raval only managed two runs for the entire Test, dismissed for 1 each time, as he continued to look out of his depth at the Test level.
Following his second failure of the Test match, Smith said it was imperative for New Zealand to change its top six heading into the Boxing Day Test.
"I'm sorry, I like Jeet Raval, he's a good bloke and tries hard, but it's just not working for him, so they have to try someone else at the top of the order," Smith said on commentary for Fox Cricket.
Jeet Raval's Test career could be coming to an end after a pair of failures in Perth as an opener Getty
"They haven't got a ready-made (replacement) here, so whether they have to invent one, some of the most unlikely things come out of giving someone a go.
"For me, I've got Tom Blundell, he's over here as a backup player and they've got to use the backup."
Raval has endured a torrid 2019 after he begun it in the best possible fashion by scoring his maiden Test century against Bangladesh.
Since that innings in Hamilton in February, Raval has been dismissed for single figures in seven out of his last nine innings.
However, despite his poor form, Raval has managed to retain his spot due to a lack of prolific openers in New Zealand's first-class system, a fact that left Smith frustrated.
Starc launched a stinging sledge towards the under-fire opener before dismissing him the next ball Getty
"I find that a little bit strange to be fair," Smith said.
"They've played some first-class cricket this year, but with all the coaching they do these days, they haven't found one.
"You can't just continue to give a guy a free ride because there's no logical replacement. You have to find something, that's what sports are all about."
Smith's comments came after Aussie paceman Mitchell Starc had some fun at Raval's expense before eventually dismissing him.
"Wouldn't want to ruin it. Last chance in your career," Starc said.
"Christmas will be pretty good when you have it off though. There's good lunches on Christmas in Melbourne."
