Dwayne Smith relishing top-order role

Dwayne Smith, the West Indies allrounder, has said he is adapting well to this role at the top of the order, having decided to "give himself a chance" after moving up several rungs in the batting line-up. Smith has had a good run of late while batting in the top three, with three half-centuries in five internationals starting with the tour of England. The latest was in the first ODI against New Zealand in Jamaica, where he made an unbeaten 65 to help seal a comfortable victory.

"I made a decision to move to the top order to give myself a chance," Smith said on the eve of the second ODI on Saturday. "The selectors have put their faith in me and I have received a lot of support from everyone around. I am relaxed and in a good frame of mind."

Smith, who averages 17.72 in ODIs, was relied on to get quick runs batting in the middle order. As a No. 3, he said, he was now also expected to build an innings and bat longer. "I believe I am much more than just a six-hitter," Smith said. I know once I look to get myself in and build an innings, I can make-up at the back-end of the innings.

"I'm more experienced now and have a good understanding of what is required. I know my role in the team and that is primarily to dig in and get good runs on the board. I can clear the boundary, but I also want to show I can play quality innings and can get runs consistently."

Smith began his international career in 2004 and scored a century on debut against South Africa in the Cape Town Test. He has since played 10 Tests and 80 ODIs, and hasn't quite managed to cement his place. He has, however, had more success as a Twenty20 cricketer, representing Sussex, Khulna Royal Bengals and Mumbai Indians among others.