File image of Australia’s Steve Smith reacting after losing his wicket in the series against England. (PHOTO: Action Images via Reuters)
Australia’s Steve Smith will return to the No.4 position against India in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy as his short but memorable stint as an opener comes to an end.
After David Warner had retired, Smith had volunteered himself to play as an opener, even scoring an unbeaten 91 against West Indies. However, he scored just 51 runs in 4 innings against New Zealand in the following series.
“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.” national selector George Bailey said.
Bailey also confirmed that the decision to shift Smith down the order had nothing to do with Cameron Green’s back surgery which means he will miss the series against India.
“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’.
Green who was diagnosed with a lower back injury during the ODI series in England, is expected to miss around 6 months of action which will rule him out of February’s Test tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. It has also cast doubt on his availability for the next Indian Premier League season.
Cricket Australia confirmed last week that Green was considering surgery to be performed by New Zealand specialists who have previously helped fast bowlers including Shane Bond and James Pattinson overcome back stress fractures. The alternative to surgery would have been to undergo rehabilitation and limit his bowling in the India series.
Australia will host India for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, starting on November 22 in Perth.
