Picture Credit: X
With Australia all-rounder Cameron Green being ruled out of the upcoming summer of cricket due to a spine surgery, veteran batter, Steve Smith has opted to return to his favoured number four position after his short stint as an opener. The veteran Aussie batter has decided to reclaim the number four position in the upcoming Test series against India, set to kickstart from November 22.
The decision of Steve Smith was communicated by Australia’s Chief Selector, George Bailey on Monday, October 14. It is to be noted that after David Warner’s retirement from Test cricket earlier this year, Steven Smith had desired to open the innings. Although he scored an unbeaten 91 in his only second Test in the new role, the 35-year-old did not fare well as he scored only 51 runs across the four innings in the Test series against their Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand.
Steve Smith to return to No. 4 spot in India Test series
However, there veteran Aussie cricketer will return to his favourable position as Australia take on India in the highly anticipated five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. National Selector, George Bailey confirmed that captain, Pat Cummins and Head Coach, Andrew McDonald have decided to bring back Smith to his preferred spot and the latter have also agreed to it. "Pat (Cummins), Andrew (McDonald)and Steve Smith had been having ongoing conversations, separate to the untimely injury to Cameron (Green)," Bailey was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
"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," he further asserted. The opportunity to revert back to his old position arose after all-rounder Cameron Green, who had filled Smith's role at No.4, opted to undergo a lower back surgery, keeping him out for six months.
Moreover, in Smith’s absence, it has to be seen who opens for Australia in Tests alongside Usman Khawaja. Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Sam Konstas are reportedly in a race to find a place in the Australian side for the BGT 2024-25, starting on November 22 in Perth.
