Steve Smith revealed his batting position to retired India star before IND vs AUS Tests

Former wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta recently revealed Steve Smith's strategy for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia. Deep Dasgupta said that Rohit Sharma and the Indian team would prefer to see Steve Smith open the batting rather than bat in the middle order.

Smith could play a crucial role in helping Australia win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The right-handed batter is known for his success as a middle-order player but has transitioned into the role of an opener following David Warner's retirement. Smith opened batting against the West Indies and New Zealand.

Smith has scored 171 runs in eight innings at an average of 28.50 as an opener, with a best score of 91 not out in Brisbane. The former Australia skipper has amassed almost 6,000 runs from the No. 4 spot, averaging 61.51. Australia will have to decide whether to move Smith back to the middle order.

Happy To See Steve Smith Opening - Deep Dasgupta

Deep Dasgupta said that Indian players would likely prefer to see Steve Smith open the batting rather than play in the middle order. He said that Smith has been successful at No. 4 throughout his career. Dasgupta pointed out that opening is different compared to batting in the middle order.

"If you're an Indian, you'd be happy to see Steve Smith opening. You don't want to see Steve Smith batting at 4 or down the order because it's baffling. Almost the peak of his career he's done so well over so many years batting at that number," Dasgupta said on talkSPORT Cricket.

"Starting to open? It's a different ball game you know. Anyone who has played any level of cricket will tell you that middle order in Test cricket and opening are two very different jobs. When you're coming in to bat with 20 overs bowled and with a new ball, they're very different," he added.

He said, 'I Am Thinking About It' - Deep Dasgupta

Deep Dasgupta shared a recent encounter with Smith, where he asked about his batting position in the BGT 2023-24. Dasgupta said that Smith confirmed he was considering his changing batting position.

"I bumped into him recently and I asked him 'You opening? What's that about? And I did ask him 'Are you going to open against India as well?' And he said, 'Yeah, I am thinking about it'. I said 'Yeah, you should, why not?' Because it's quite baffling," Dasgupta further stated.

Steve Smith has had a good record against India in Test cricket. The batter missed the 2018-19 series, where India triumphed 2-1. Smith served a 12-month ban for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal. He failed to make a strong impact during the Test series against India in the 2020-21 series.

Smith had a modest performance in the last home Test series against India, scoring 313 runs. His struggles continued the following year, when he managed only 145 runs in four Test matches in India. As Australia aims to break a decade-long losing streak against India, Smith will be a crucial player.

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