No more experimentation as Steve Smith has now decided to let go of the opening spot. In the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy, the ace batter is ready to bat at his original number 4 spot. This is mainly owing to the fact that Smith’s opening ploy failed and the absence of Cameron Green brings in major concerns for the Australia Cricket Team.
Following the retirement of David Warner, it was Steve Smith who promoted himself up the order to open the batting for Australia. But now in the IND vs AUS Test series, the ace batter is unwilling to take any unwanted risks. With crucial WTC Points up for grabs, Smith is ready to give his all in the middle order.
No more Test opening for Steve Smith
Furthermore, the absence of Cameron Green also plays a major role. The ace all-rounder has opted for surgery on his stress fracture and will miss the Border Gavaskar Trophy, thereby creating a void in the middle order.
“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,” National Selector George Bailey said.
Steve Smith’s stint as an opener wasn’t a complete failure, but it can’t be claimed as highly successful. On the other hand, Cameron Green flourished at his number role at number 4. But now things have reverted back to the original state after Green’s injury.
“I think Pat, Andrew and Steve have been having ongoing conversations, separate to the untimely injury to Cameron anyway. I think Steve had expressed a desire to move back down from that opening position,” George Bailey added.