Smith at 8 would be just as stupid. Smith and White are very similar players at this stage. Both are big hitters who can bowl a bit. If Smith wants to be considered a test spinner he has a LONG way to go. His First Class bowling average is 75 ffs.
Agreed, why are people so obsessed with this bloke? Because he is blonde and can bowl some twirly legspin?
He is almost EXACTLY like Cameron White. A middle order batsman with a range of shots and plenty of power, who also by chance has a knack of picking up cheap wickets in limited overs matches when the batsmen try to score quick runs off him in the rush-hour overs. It is quite apparent however, that he struggles in FC cricket where he has to consistently challenge the batsmen over a long period.
Why on earth would you play someone like that as a specialist spinner? If he can't get into the team in the top 6, then he shouldn't be picked. Simple as that. Symonds was our spin-bowling allrounder at 6 before, in both formats. Now we have North for Tests, and White for ODI's. Unless Smith shows enough form over a couple of seasons to displace both of these players with his BATTING form, he shouldn't be picked.
If they are looking for a replacement for Nathan Horse-Sh*tz in the Test arena, we should definitely look at Krejza - he attacks, he gives the ball a huge rip, and can bat pretty well too. Hauritz or Doherty for the ODI team.
