NEW DELHI: Prolific Australian batter Steve Smith has addressed his decision not to open in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, clarifying that while he’s happy to bat anywhere for the team, he feels most comfortable in the middle order.
Since taking over the opening position following David Warner‘s retirement, Smith has struggled to find his usual consistency and run-scoring prowess.In the eight innings he has played as an opener, Smith has accumulated a mere 171 runs at an average of 28.50. This figure stands in stark contrast to his impressive career average of 56, highlighting the significant dip in form he has experienced in his new role.
As the crucial five-match home series, which is set to begin on November 22 in Perth, against India approaches, speculation has intensified regarding Smith’s future as an opener.
Upon his comeback to the Sheffield Shield, Smith conveyed that he had no strong preference for any particular batting position when approached by captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald earlier in the month.
“I was asked where I’d prefer to bat, and I said four. I also mentioned that I’m happy to bat wherever — I’m not too fussed — but four would be my ideal position,” Smith was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.
“I saw some reports last week suggesting I requested to bat at four, but that wasn’t the case. I said I’m happy to bat wherever you’d like, but four would be my preference,” he added.
Smith revealed that his teammates, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, played a role in his decision to bat at No. 4 in the line-up. The two batsmen conveyed their preference for having Smith, widely regarded as the team’s most reliable batter, positioned after them in the batting order.
“There’s a spot available now with Greeny out. In conversations we had after New Zealand, particularly with Marnus and Uzzy, they preferred me not batting at the top. They wanted me behind them, which was a big part of it. They refer to it as security behind them. They were quite firm about me not batting there,” he explained.
“I’m not particularly fussed about where I bat, but their feedback made it clear that they didn’t like me up top. They wanted that security where I’ve performed well for many years, and I can understand that,” he added.
