Australia’s opening batter, Usman Khawaja, sets batting preference for Steven Smith for Test cricket. After David Warner’s retirement, Smith took over as opening batter for the Australian side in Tests.
Previously, upon being asked about batting position, Steve Smith was quick enough to respond that he could bat wherever he fits for the side. He also added that he would like to give his best foot forward in the big series. The 35-year-old has lacked while opening the innings. As an opening batter, Smith has scored 171 runs at an average of 28.50 in four Tests and eight innings. He has one half-century to his name while opening the innings, and his highest score is 91 not out as an opener.
“I’ll bat wherever they want me to”: Steve Smith
Usman Khawaja has proposed his opinion on where Steve Smith fits as a batter for the Australian side. The 37-year-old batter prefers Steve Smith to bat at number four. Usman Khawaja was very straightforward when selecting his preference of batting order for Steve Smith. According to Usman Khawaja, it is an opportunity for the opponents to pick Steve Smith early when batting at number one. Speaking to Fox Cricket, Usman Khawaja said that,
“I’m not sure what the top six is going to be this summer. I’ve always loved Steve Smith batting at No. 4, I haven’t shied away from that. I love seeing him come in at No. 4 … you get two wickets, and who do you get walking in? The best batsman in the world. When you put him up to open, I feel like you’re kind of giving them a chance to get at him early,”
Talking about his batting position, Steve Smith considers himself flexible at any position. The 35-year-old stated that he will bat wherever the management want him to. Steve Smith said,
“It’s a little bit of a quicker turnaround when you only have ten minutes, running off the field and you have to get back out there quickly. Outside of that, I don’t think there’s much change. I’ll bat wherever they want me to. I’m not that fussed. I’m pretty easy, whatever spot they want me to bat. I’m comfortable batting wherever,” he further added,
“We’ll see what that looks like, I suppose, whether they want me to continue (opening the batting) or go back to three or four. We’ll wait and see. I’m pretty easy batting anywhere. We’ll just see what stacks up and what the brain trust wants. I like to stand up in the big series and do well and help the team. Hopefully there’s much of the same this summer,”
Steve Smith has batted at number three and four for more than half of his career. The 35-year-old has scored 5,966 runs at an average of 61.50, batting at number four. In addition, he has 19 centuries and 26 half-centuries to his name in 67 Test matches and 111 innings. Whereas, at number three, he has slashed eight centuries and five half-centuries. Batting at number three, Steve Smith recorded 1,744 runs to his name at an average of 67.07.