Steve Smith to bat at No.4 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25? Here's the update

Following David Warner’s retirement, Steve Smith voiced his desire to take on the role of an opening batsman in Test cricket. The Australian team management supported this decision, seeing it as an opportunity to include an additional all-rounder, Cameron Green, in the lineup. However, the move has not yielded the expected results. Despite a notable 91 against the West Indies in the second Test at Gabba, Smith’s performance as an opener has been underwhelming. His average of 28.50 in this role starkly contrasts with his impressive overall average of 56.97 in Test cricket. Former Australia head coach Justin Langer has weighed in on the matter, suggesting that Smith should revert to the number four position for the upcoming series against India.

Langer acknowledges that while Smith’s performance as an opener might improve with time, he believes that Smith’s strengths are better utilized in the number four slot. Langer argues that placing Smith at number four could have a more significant psychological impact on the opposition, given his proven track record and expertise in that position.

The debate highlights a crucial strategic decision for the Australian team as they prepare for their series against India. Reassessing Smith’s batting position could be pivotal in optimizing the team’s performance and achieving a competitive edge in the highly anticipated series.

“He’s the greatest player we’ve had. Great players adapt, they can bat anywhere in the order. For the Australian cricket team, I think he’s best suited to bat number four,” said former Australia head coach Justin Langer during a recent interview. 

“I think it’s a really specialised position (number four). It’s not that he can’t do it (open the batting). I’d love to see him bat at No.4, but then they have to work out who doesn’t play. My observation was that it was more about trying to get Cameron Green in and Mitch Marsh had taken that (all-rounders’) role, but they wanted to get the best young player into the XI,” he added.

Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith’s opening partner, has also expressed the opinion that Smith should return to the number four position. This sentiment aligns with growing concerns about Smith's effectiveness as an opener, given his unimpressive performance statistics compared to his formidable record in the middle order. As Australia gears up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the team management is carefully evaluating their strategy to ensure a competitive edge in the series.

Australia is highly motivated to secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and the team management is exploring various tactical adjustments to strengthen their squad. Captain Pat Cummins has already indicated his support for including multiple all-rounders in the lineup for the five-match series. With this strategy in mind, there is a possibility that both Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh could be selected, which would necessitate a re-evaluation of batting positions.

If the team management decides to accommodate both Green and Marsh in the squad, it could result in Steve Smith continuing as an opener. This decision would balance the team’s need for all-rounders while addressing the strategic deployment of batting roles. The ongoing discussions reflect Australia’s commitment to optimizing their squad composition and strategy in their quest for success in the highly anticipated series against India.