Steve Smith has opened up on his return to the No.4 batting slot for the five-match Test series against India. Pat Cummins and Andrew McDonald, the captain and head coach, finalized the move. Smith played a few five-day games as an opener following David Warner’s retirement, but his returns were ordinary.
He scored a fifty in the team’s defeat against the West Indies at The Gabba and also struggled against the new ball during the tour of New Zealand.
Former Australian players were not convinced of Smith’s performance in his new batting position and urged the team management to send him back to his old slot.
Smith revealed that Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne were not happy with him opening the batting for the Aussies in the most extended format.
“There is spot available in the opening slot with Cameron Green ruled out. I had a conversation after New Zealand series, with Marnus and Uzi hated me at the top. They wanted me behind them,” Smith told ESPNcricinfo.
“They want security behind them. They were against me not batting there so that played a big role in the decision. I have got a good record at four,” he added.
Smith was convinced that he would be able to perform in the opening position, but the decision-makers wanted him to change places.
“I was asked about my favourite batting position, I said four. I didn’t ask them to change my batting order. I never requested them to demote me to number four. I am happy to bat wherever the management wants me to bat. Four would be my ideal position.”
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 will start on November 22 in Perth.
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