Australia’s selection chairman, George Bailey, put an end to months of speculation by confirming that Steve Smith will return to his usual No. 4 spot for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Smith had a brief period as an opener following David Warner’s retirement in early 2024.
His time at the top of the order was largely unsuccessful, with only one fifty against the West Indies at The Gabba, resulting in an average of 28.50 over eight innings. Many former players had called for a reassessment of his batting position.
Cameron Green had filled the No. 4 role in the altered batting lineup but is now set to miss six months after opting for surgery on his back injury.
“Pat, Andrew and Steve Smith had been having ongoing conversations, separate to the untimely injury to Cameron (Green). Steve had expressed a desire to move back down from that opening position, and Pat and Andrew have confirmed that he will be dropping back down the order for the summer,” George Bailey told reporters.
Smith has an impressive average of 61.51 while batting at No. 4. For nearly a decade, he has been a cornerstone of the Australian batting lineup and will be crucial in facing a formidable Indian bowling attack.
Australia is looking for a genuine opener now that Smith is back at No. 4
A select few have supported Travis Head as a potential opener for Australia in Tests. The left-handed batsman has thrived in the middle order, excelling with his counter-attacking style. He previously opened during David Warner’s absence in the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Australia’s conventional approach would likely involve promoting an opening batsman from the domestic ranks rather than using a makeshift option again. Players like Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, and Matt Renshaw have proven track records and international experience.
Sam Konstas, a member of Australia’s 2024 U-19 World Cup winning team, has also emerged as a strong candidate following his recent performances in the Sheffield Shield.
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