Steve Smith reveals why he switched back to No. 4 spot in tests ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Steve Smith has amassed 5966 runs in 67 matches while batting at No. 4 in test cricket for Australia. 

Australian stalwart Steve Smith opened up about his decision to not open the batting for his nation in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against the Indian cricket team at home.

For the first time since the 1991-92 series, Australia and India will play a five-match bilateral test series. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be played from November 22, 2024 to January 7, 2025 in Australia.

Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Australia’s chair of selectors George Bailey confirmed that Smith won’t open the batting and will bat at No. 4 against India.

The decision comes after Smith failed to replicate his batting success at top of the order, following David Warner’s test retirement earlier this year. In four matches as an opener, Smith made 171 runs at a below-par average of 28.50.

I was asked where I’d prefer to bat, and I said four: Steve Smith

After his return to the Sheffield Shield, Smith revealed that he was asked where he wanted to bat. He further said that for him the ideal position is to bat at No. 4.

“I was asked where I’d prefer to bat, and I said four … I also said I’m happy batting wherever, I’m not too fussed,” Smith told reporters on Monday at stumps on day two of NSW’s Sheffield Shield match against Victoria as quoted by cricket.com.au.

“I was asked (by Cummins, McDonald) where my preference would be, and I said four. I saw a few things last week saying that I’ve requested to bat at four. That wasn’t the case. I said I’m happy to bat wherever you’d like me to bat, but yeah, four would be my ideal position. It was good fun having a crack at something new, batting up top. I still feel like I could do a job there for sure. It was a pretty small sample size,” Smith added.

The former Australian captain added that batting at No. 4 can bring the best out of him. “But I’ve done pretty well at four for many years now. I feel like it’s probably where I can have my best input for this team at the moment,” he concluded.

Steve Smith has a stunning record while batting at No. 4 in test cricket. The right-handed batter has amassed 5966 runs in 67 tests at an admirable average of 61.50 so far. Smith notched up 19 centuries and 26 half-centuries while batting at No. 4 position in test cricket.

India’s tour of Australia 2024-25 schedule:

November 22-26: 1st test, Perth Stadium, Perth (D)

December 6-10: 2nd test, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (D/N)

December 14-18: 3rd test, The Gabba, Brisbane (D)

December 26-30: 4th test, MCG, Melbourne (D)

January 3-7: 5th Test, SCG, Sydney (D)

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