Steve Smith to Bat at No. 4 in India Test Series, Confirms Australia Selector George Bailey

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Veteran Australian batter Steve Smith will return to his preferred No. 4 spot for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, starting on November 22, 2024 in Perth. This decision was confirmed by Australia's chief selector George Bailey, ending Smith's brief stint as an opener.

Smith had volunteered to open the innings after David Warner's retirement but struggled to make a significant impact. Smith's performance at the top of the order was lackluster, scoring just 171 runs in eight innings at an average of 28.50.

His difficulties as an opener became evident during the Test series against New Zealand, where he managed only 51 runs in four innings. According to Bailey, the decision to return Smith to the middle order was made after discussions between Smith, captain Pat Cummins, and head coach Andrew McDonald.

"Pat, Andrew, and Steve had been having ongoing conversations, separate to the untimely injury to Cameron (Green)," Bailey said. "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."

Smith's move back to No. 4 also coincides with the injury to Cameron Green, who has been ruled out of the series after undergoing surgery for a back injury. Green had been playing in the middle order, but his absence leaves a void in the Australian lineup.

Australia will now need to fill both the opening and No. 4 spots. Bailey acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that Australia had several options to consider, including Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, and young prodigy Sam Konstas.

"He's in the mix, as are plenty of others," Bailey said when discussing Konstas' prospects. However, he emphasized not putting undue pressure on the youngster. Australia A will play two first-class matches against India A before the Test series, where openers like Bancroft, Harris, and Konstas will have an opportunity to prove their form.

Australia A squad for Tour Matches:
Nathan McSweeney (c), Cameron Bancroft, Scott Boland, Jordan Buckingham, Cooper Connolly, Ollie Davies, Marcus Harris, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Michael Neser, Todd Murphy, Fergus O'Neill, Jimmy Peirson, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Mark Steketee, Beau Webster.