Australian chief selector George Bailey revealed that Steve Smith had already decided to move back down the batting order before allrounder Cameron Green was ruled out of the series against India. Green, who sustained a back injury during the lead-up to the highly anticipated series, will miss the entire Australian summer of cricket, leaving a void in the team’s lineup.
Green’s injury has intensified calls for Smith to return to the middle order, where he has spent most of his illustrious career. Smith’s recent stint as an opener, following David Warner’s retirement, had mixed results.
While he scored an unbeaten 91 against the West Indies, he struggled during Australia’s tour of New Zealand, managing only 51 runs across four innings. Despite his efforts to adapt, Smith is set to revert to his No. 4 position, where he cemented his reputation as one of the finest batters in cricket history.
Bailey emphasized that the decision to shift Smith down the order had been in the works long before Green’s injury. “Steve had expressed a desire to move back down from that opening position, and Pat [Cummins] and Andrew [McDonald] have confirmed that he will be dropping back down the order for the summer,” Bailey said.
He added that Smith had discussed the move with captain Pat Cummins and head coach Andrew McDonald ahead of the upcoming series, which will see the world’s No. 1 and No. 2 Test teams face off.
The upcoming five-Test series against India is of significant importance, with Australia seeking to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which India currently holds after victories both at home and away. Smith’s return to No. 4 means Marnus Labuschagne will continue to bat at No. 3, leaving a vacancy at the top of the order.
The competition for that spot is expected to heat up, with players in the Sheffield Shield given a chance to prove themselves as potential long-term replacements for Warner.
As Australia gears up for this crucial contest, the team will be looking for someone to step up and solidify their position at the top of the order, while Smith aims to anchor the middle and lead Australia to victory in what promises to be an intense and pivotal series.
