Australia's Steve Smith boasts an impressive batting average of 61.46 in the number four position. — Reuters
As India worries about Virat Kohli's recent struggles ahead of the highly anticipated Test series against Australia, the hosts face their own batting dilemma with Steve Smith. After a brief and unsuccessful stint as an opener following David Warner's retirement, the 35-year-old is set to return to his preferred number four spot for the series opener in Perth, eager to dispel doubts about his prime being behind him. Throughout his 109-Test career, which has seen him bat in various positions, number four has been Smith's most productive slot, contributing to 19 of his 32 centuries and an impressive average of 61.46.
Smith's return to his favored position has been well-received in Australia, particularly by opener and teammate Usman Khawaja, who suggested months ago that Smith would be better suited there. This backhanded compliment reflects the high regard for a batter who, just a few years ago, was posting figures reminiscent of Don Bradman and whose defense was nearly impenetrable. Smith, rarely one to doubt his own abilities, acknowledged that his time at the top of the order was not well-liked by his teammates.
To critics, Smith has become a relic, clinging to his spot in a team in need of rejuvenation, much like Warner. This perception solidified as Smith struggled with a mere 51 runs during Australia's two-Test tour of New Zealand in February and March, while young all-rounder Cameron Green excelled at number four, scoring 238 runs. Green's back injury, which rules him out of the entire India series, has somewhat alleviated the pressure on Smith to justify his place in the top six. However, if his struggles continue into the India series, the murmurs will only grow louder.
Unlike Warner, who made his retirement plans clear in advance, Smith has given no indication of when he intends to step away from the game. Selectors may hesitate to sideline him given his formidable record, which includes a batting average of 65.87 against India compared to his career average of 56.97. On home soil, Smith's value is evident; Australia has never lost a Test in which he has scored a century. India will highly value Smith's wicket, and their bowlers' ability to contain him was a crucial factor in their 2-1 series victory during the last tour in 2020/21.
Smith has struggled more against India's spinners than their pacers, falling to Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja eight times each. His upcoming battle with Ashwin, India's leading wicket-taker, will be closely watched, especially after the spinner's recent claim that he has the upper hand over Smith. Smith is aiming for a stronger start in the upcoming series after being dismissed for just one run in the first Test in Adelaide in 2020 and a duck in the second in Melbourne, both times by Ashwin.
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
