Steve Smith set to return to No. 4 spot for India Test series

Melbourne, Oct 14: Veteran Australia batter Steve Smith is set to return to his favoured number four position after a short stint as an opener in the upcoming Test series against India, national selector George Bailey confirmed on Monday.

Post opener David Warner’s retirement earlier this year, Smith had volunteered to open the innings.

Although he made an unbeaten 91 in only his second Test in the new role, the 35-year-old didn’t fare well in the series against New Zealand, collecting a total of 51 runs in four innings.

Bailey confirmed that Smith expressed his desire to return to the middle order to captain Pat Cummins and head coach Andrew McDonald, who have decided to accommodate the batter’s request.

“Pat (Cummins), Andrew (McDonald)and Steve Smith had been having ongoing conversations, separate to the untimely injury to Cameron (Green),” Bailey was quoted as saying by ‘cricket.com.au’.

While Bailey didn’t say where Smith will bat in the middle order, the former captain is likely to slot in at number four.

The opportunity to return to his former position arose after all-rounder Cameron Green, who had taken over Smith’s role at number four, opted for lower back surgery that will keep him out for six months.

However, Bailey noted that the decision to shift Smith was under consideration even before Green was ruled out for the summer.

“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 added. (PTI)

Hot this week

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Family of Assam woman killed in Meghalaya road mishap demands probe

Guwahati/ Shillong, Jun 6: Family of a 25-year-old Assam...

JSU seeks CUET centre at Jowai

Shillong, June 6: Keeping in view the recent trouble...

MHRC notice on death of pregnant woman, unborn child

Shillong, June 6: The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC)...

Conrad outlines roadmap to add 40,000 ha green cover in state

Shillong, June 6: Chief minister Conrad K Sangma has...

DRI seizes ₹16 crore worth of meth tablets in Mizoram; 2 arrested

Guwahati, June 6: In a major crackdown on drug...

Social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli released from prison on bail

Kolkata, Jun 6: Social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli was...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img