THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Melbourne, Oct 14: George Bailey, Australia’s National Selector, has confirmed that Steven Smith will reclaim his spot in the middle order for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, ending his brief run as a Test opener.
Smith was elevated to the opener’s role after David Warner’s retirement. However, his performance was underwhelming, managing just 171 runs at an average of 28.50, which sparked doubts about his suitability for the position.
On Monday, Bailey confirmed that team captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald have chosen to move 35-year-old Smith back to his preferred No. 4 position.
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Cameron Green, who successfully took over Smith’s No. 4 position, has been sidelined for the summer as he is required to undergo back surgery, and the selectors now need to adjust the batting order.
“Pat, Andrew and Steve Smith had been having ongoing convers, separate to the untimely injury to Cameron (Green),” Bailey told reporters adding that “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.”
The five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series will start with the first Test in Perth on November 22.