Former Australian cricketer and current Victoria coach Chris Rogers has endorsed Peter Handscomb as the ideal candidate to take over the No. 4 batting spot in Tests once veteran Steve Smith retires. Speaking to Fox Cricket’s Domesticated, Rogers said that when Smith eventually steps down, selectors will not need to look further than Handscomb for a stable replacement.

“If he got the chance again, I think he’d be much better prepared,” Rogers said. “If Smith was to retire and there was that opportunity needed for a stable Test No. 4, I think that could definitely be Pete. Hopefully he keeps scoring runs for us and gets another opportunity at Test level.”

Rogers praises Handscomb’s growth and technique.

Rogers also highlighted Handscomb’s development since his earlier Test career, saying the Victorian veteran deserves another chance in international cricket. “He doesn’t get the credit he deserves. There’s a perception that he’s the same player as when he played Test cricket, but I’ve seen his growth. He’s adapted his style and become much more versatile,” Rogers explained.

He pointed to Handscomb’s recent century against a bowling attack featuring Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon as evidence of his improved technique. “Just watch that hundred — he looked to get forward, punch back into the ball, not just stay on the back foot. It’s a game plan that would work well in international cricket,” Rogers said.

Handscomb, who played 20 Tests for Australia between 2016 and 2023, is currently the Sheffield Shield’s second-highest run-scorer with 350 runs at 43.75. He has been named captain for the two-day pink-ball match in Canberra starting November 29, a key preparation for the upcoming day-night Test at the Gabba. The 34-year-old made his international debut against South Africa in 2016, scoring two hundreds in his first four Tests, and last represented Australia during the 2023 India tour.