The much-anticipated clash between Steve Smith and Jasprit Bumrah with the new ball won’t be happening in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia has confirmed that Smith will not open the batting in the five-match Test series against India, which begins on November 22. This decision came after Smith requested a change in his batting position for the series, a request that was accepted by captain Pat Cummins and head coach Andrew McDonald.
George Bailey, Australia’s chairman of selectors, revealed in a press conference that Smith expressed his desire to move down from the opener’s role. “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,” Bailey stated. This announcement was made alongside the Australia ODI squad for the Pakistan series and the Australia A squad for the shadow series against India A.
Smith’s decision to move up the order after David Warner’s retirement from Test cricket did not yield the expected results. In his eight innings as an opener, Smith managed only 171 runs at an average of 28.50, with a highest score of 91*. Known for his success at No. 4 in Test cricket, Smith’s return to his preferred position is seen as a strategic adjustment for the crucial series against India.
Bailey also mentioned that the decision to drop Smith down the order was considered before all-rounder Cameron Green was ruled out of the entire Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to injury. Green had been batting at No. 4 after Smith’s temporary shift to the opening slot. With Green’s absence, Australia’s middle order will need to be restructured, likely giving Smith an opportunity to reclaim his form in his usual position.
The series is shaping up to be a high-stakes encounter, and Australia’s adjustments, including Smith’s return to the middle order, will be pivotal in their quest to challenge India on home soil.
