With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy around the corner, Steve Smith has spoken openly about the confusion surrounding his batting position. Smith confirmed that he will return to his preferred spot at No. 4 for the upcoming series against India. While reports had suggested that Smith requested this shift, the batter denied making any specific demands.
“I was asked where I would like to bat, and I said No. 4 would be ideal. But I also told them I’m happy to bat wherever needed,” Smith clarified during a recent Sheffield Shield match.
Teammate Rift Over Batting Order
Smith also revealed friction within the team regarding his earlier decision to open the batting. He admitted that teammates Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja were not pleased with him opening the innings during recent matches. “Honestly, Marnus and Uzi were not happy. They didn’t like the idea of me batting before them,” Smith said candidly.
The disagreement emerged after Smith stepped up as an opener following David Warner’s retirement. While he scored an unbeaten 91 against West Indies, his overall performance at the top didn’t match his consistency at No. 4.
Chief Selector’s Take on Smith’s Role
Chief selector George Bailey had previously mentioned that Smith expressed his desire to return to No. 4, especially with all-rounder Cameron Green missing from the squad. “If Green was fit, Smith would have batted at No. 4 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy,” Bailey had stated earlier, adding more clarity to the decision.
Smith stressed that the team management, including captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald, consulted him on the batting order. “It was not a request, just an open discussion,” Smith reiterated.
Smith’s Return to Familiar Territory
Smith’s return to his original batting slot at No. 4 offers stability for the Australian side ahead of their challenging tour of India. Known for his ability to anchor innings, Smith is expected to be a key player in Australia’s campaign during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His statement also suggests that despite internal disagreements, the focus remains on team success.
This latest development indicates that the Australian management is aligning its strategy to play to Smith’s strengths, while addressing the dynamics within the squad.
