The upcoming Australia-West Indies Test series seems to be revolving a lot about former skipper Steven Smith's batting order jump from No 4 to the opening slot.
There has been mixed response to Smith, the superb performer in middle order preferring to bat as an opener.
But the other development that too is likely to follow is that No 4 slot being vacated and Australia team management rightly choosing fast-bowling all-rounder Cameron Green to bat at that crucial position.
With Smith and Usman Khawaja opening the batting, proven warhorse Marnus Labuschagne bating at No 3 and Green at No 4, the Australian Test batting order seems fine in home a series. At least, against the off-colour West Indies team.
If by chance, Australia top order fails and there are early jitters, them Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh at No 5 and No 6 respectively, can take care.
The No 7 to 11 are likely to be followed by wicket-keeper Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, skipper Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood.
After David Warner's exit, the remaining spot at top of the order was expected to be grabbed by a regular opener like Matthew Renshaw or Cameron Bancroft.
But with Smith volunteering to open the batting and the team management willing to try that possibility, the only slot open was No 4, where Smith batted in recent times.
Australia decided to bring back Renshaw into the mix for the West Indies Test series, but probably as a reserve opener. The team think-tank also decided to include Cameron Green at No 4 position.
The question remains, is Green happy?
Well, his initial reactions suggest so.
He has gone on record stating he will be fine with that. Rather at the other alternative of him batting at No 6, after aggressive Travis Head at No 5, would have been tough for him. He would have appeared to have slowed down the proceedings, if Head plays his natural game, Green has rightly pointed out.
Soft spoken Green has opined that with Head batting with an usual higher strike rate, it would have not given him much time at No 6 to settle down and then play as per merit. But at No 4, that apprehension does not loom large. He will not look silly if he buys bit of more time.
It is also a fact that Smith's decision to open the batting, has indirectly helped Green to find a place in the highly competitive Australian Test middle order.
With the first Test between the Aussies and West Indies starting in Adelaide on January 17, Australia management and cricket fans will come to know, whether Smith as the new Test opener succeeds or not.
But supposing he struggles as an opener and Green flourishes at No 4, then what? Will Smith be brought back to his previous No 4 slot and Green will have to wait for yet his next opportunity!
But diehard Aussie fans would hope both Smith and Green enjoy their new roles and let there be no immediate changing and chopping.
Remind you, Green last played a Test match in July against England in the Ashes series in Old Trafford.
So, if he is not given a long rope, it would be harsh on the quality all-rounder, who definitely is a bright prospect for Australian cricket in coming years.
