Perth, Sep 10: Will Steve Smith open in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India?
It's a fact that Smith has struggled in his new role as Australia's Test opener, when he volunteered to take up that responsibility after David Warner's retirement.
But Head Coach Andrew McDonald's statement on Tuesday that Australia will retain their top six, created doubts if Smith will play as an opener again.
If McDonald's words are to be taken for granted then, Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameorn Green and Mitchell Marsh will retain their places in the playing XI against India.
In such a scenario, if Smith does not open, then Labuschagne may be asked to take up that role. Because he is the most accomplished and technically sound batter among the rest to play the new ball.
Reacting on Smith's position in the batting order, Head Coach McDonald said the conversations are underway on his Test batting position ahead of the five-match Test series against India.
It can be recalled that after Warner quit Test cricket, on his insistence Smith was moved up the order to open with Usman Khawaja. Several former Australian cricketers had criticised the move.
Taking into account Smith's illustrious career, his performance as a Test opener has been less impressive. He has averaged 28.50 in four Tests, contrary to his overall average of 56.97.
Steve Smith has played four Tests as an opener in 2024. He opened in two matches against the West Indies and two against New Zealand. But he has managed just one fifty-plus score, which is contrary to his show in the middle order.
But since he has been the star performer for Australia for years, there are murmurs that he be asked to bat in the middle order again, where he was consistent and flourished for years.
India and Australia will play five Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from November 22. The first Test will be played in Perth. But will Smith open for Australia in the BG Trophy is still speculative.
