Steve Smith will replace David Warner as Australia's Test match opener, moving up the order from No4.

Warner retired from the longest form of the game last week after the Aussies' 3-0 series victory over Pakistan.

And the selectors have chosen former skipper Smith — his country's fourth-highest Test run-scorer of all time — to take his spot, slotting all-rounder Cameron Green into the middle-order.

Chairman of selectors George Bailey said: "Steve's obviously motivated and energised and keen to do it.

"There were plenty within the team who were pretty keen to go on record and say that they weren't keen to do it.

"It was refreshing that Steve had come forward and said he wanted it. He's keen for this to be a significant chapter in his career.

"We don't look too far ahead. But for all intents and purposes this is where Steve wants to stay."

Bailey insists the panel have chosen the "best six batters" in Australia, refuting suggestions that Cameron Bancroft had been overlooked because of his connection to the sandpaper incident that rocked Australian cricket in 2018.

Bancroft was caught tampering with the ball during a Test match in South Africa and was the third player to be punished for the affair along with Warner and Smith.

The 31-year-old appeared a natural fit to step in at the top of the order but has been ignored.

Bailey said: "That has never at any stage been discussed from the panel's perspective. It's purely a cricketing decision.

"I think a lot of people tend to forget the fact that Cam's actually played Test cricket since returning from the ban. 

"It was a long time ago. We've all moved well past that. I'd be disappointed if people were looking to that as a reason. 

"All I can do is reiterate to you and to Cam that's not the case. Never has been and never will be."

The first Test of Australia's two-match series against the West Indies starts in Adelaide next Wednesday.