Steve Smith to open for Australia in BGT 2024-25? Star batter breaks his silence

Former Australia skipper Steve Smith is unsure about batting position in the Test squad for the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2023-24 series at home. Steve Smith expressed his willingness to bat wherever the team management asks him to in the upcoming highly anticipated Test series later this year.

Australia have tried Smith as the opening batter after veteran opener David Warner's retirement from Test cricket. However, this decision didn't provide positive results for the national team. The right-handed batter has amassed 171 runs in eight innings at an average of 28.50 with a best score of 91.

Australia is facing a challenge in finding a suitable opener for the Test series against India. Smith has to face a bowling attack comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj against the new ball. The Pat Cummins-led side is also considering the option to demote Smith in batting.

There Is Conversations Happening In The Background - Steve Smith

When asked about his role as Australia's opener for the series against India, Smith said that he has not thought about his role in the side. Smith added that Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne want him to bat at No. 4, but he is willing to bat anywhere for the team's benefit.

“I have no idea, there is conversations happening in the background. Usman I think said that he likes me down at No.4. I think Marnus has similar thoughts. We will wait and see. I am happy anywhere, I'll bat wherever for the team but we'll see what happens,” Smith told reporters.

'Happy anywhere' - Where should Steve Smith bat, 🇦🇺 fans? pic.twitter.com/PpBb7pny45

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 4, 2024

Steve Smith averages over 50 across various positions in the top five apart from the opening slot. At No. 4, he scored 5,966 runs in 111 innings at an average of 61.51, including 19 centuries and 26 fifties. Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne have expressed concerns about Smith's batting position.

It's Going To Be A Wonderful Series - Steve Smith

The Border-Gavaskar series has been extended from four to five Test matches this season. Steve Smith is excited about the five-match series, adding that playing a longer series will not allow players to hide from opponents. Smith added that this change will contribute to a wonderful series.

“It's great that we are able to play a five-match series against them. You can't really hide in a five-Test series like you probably can in a two-match series. If someone gets the wood on you, it can be hard coming back from that. It's going to be a wonderful series,” said Smith.

The Best Two Teams In The World At The Moment - Steve Smith

The 35-year-old is optimistic about Australia's chances of reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He added that his experience and strong track record against India will be crucial for the team's success. Smith said that he captained Australia during their last BGT victory in 2014-2015.

“We are probably the two best teams in the world at the moment in Test cricket. We played the World Test Championship final last year and beat them there. They have been great out here the last couple of times, played some really good cricket. Hopefully we can turn the tables. It's been 10 years since we last won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. We need to do that this year,” said Smith.

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