IND vs AUS: Steve Smith Admits To Flexibility In Batting Order For Australia In ICC World Cup 2023

Star Australian batsman Steve Smith acknowledged that batting at number three is his preferred position ahead of their first match in the ICC World Cup 2023. However, Steve Smith admitted that he is willing to be more flexible according to the team’s situation.

Steve Smith played the majority of his career at the No. 3 position for Australia in the 50-over format. The right-handed batter scored 3,880 runs at an average of 53.89, including 11 centuries. Overall, he has scored 5,054 runs at an average of 44.33, with 12 centuries.

Speaking ahead of the match against India, Steve Smith expressed hope that Travis Head would recover as early as possible.

“It would be interesting. Fingers crossed, Heady can still come up. He still got a fair way to go before he is potentially fit. Three is my favourite position but I’d bat wherever (asked to), I suppose,” Steve Smith said.

Head was included in the World Cup 2023 squad despite not being 100 percent fit to play. Chief Selector George Bailey stated that Head would be available for the later stages of the prestigious tournament.

Marnus Labuschagne Is A Very Good Player – Steve Smith

Steve Smith expressed confidence that Marnus Labuschagne would secure the No. 4 spot in the batting lineup for the showpiece event. Smith believes Labuschagne will play a crucial role in the team’s success, given his impressive form.

“He’s come back and he’s taken his opportunities, got himself into the squad and now he’s obviously likely to bat in the top-four throughout the World Cup,” Smith said.

“I think the way he’s playing at the moment, he’s now confident, he’s got the feel for one-day cricket and the tempo and all those kinds of things. Once he gets there, he’s a very good player. So, not surprised.”

Labuschagne secured a berth in the World Cup squad following impressive performances against South Africa and India. He scored 421 runs in his last 8 innings at an impressive average of 60.14 and a strike rate of 97.67, including a century and two fifties.

The Pat Cummins-led team will take on the Rohit Sharma-led team in their first match of the World Cup at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8.

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