The chief selector of Australia men's cricket team, George Bailey, on October 14 confirmed that Steve Smith will not open the innings against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The announcement came after swashbuckling all-rounder Cameron Green was ruled out of the series and miss cricketing action for six months after opting for back surgery.
“Pat, Andrew (McDonald) and Steven Smith have been having ongoing discussions, separate to the untimely injury to Cameron, anyway and I think Steve had expressed a desire to move back down from that opening position. Pat and Andrew have confirmed that he will be dropping back down the order for the summer," Bailey told the reporters as he announced squads for ODI series against Pakistan and the ‘A’ series against India.
Smith’s numbers as Test opener
Smith had been vocal about wanting to open the innings since David Warner retired from the format. The 35-year-old has scored 171 runs from eight innings as an opener in Tests including an unbeaten 91 in a losing cause against West Indies at the Gabba, Brisbane. In Green’s absence, Smith will reclaim his old spot at no.4 in the all-important home series against India.
Contenders for the opening spot
While Travis Head has been backed by many to open the innings alongside Usman Khawaja, he has not experessed the desire to change his batting position.
Meanwhile, there are a few contenders for the opening spot which will be tested in the two-match series between India ‘A’ and Australia ‘A’ starting October 31. It seems like Matt Renshaw is out of contention as he is the notable omission from the squad. Cameron Bancroft has been backed by many to make a comeback. Bancroft who was punished for ball tampering scandal played his last Test in 2019.
Marcus Harris who has played 14 Tests and scored 607 runs is another contender for the role. The latest addition to the race is New South Wales teenager Sam Konstas who scored twin centuries in the Sheffield Shield season opener earlier this month and equalled former Australia captain Ricky Ponting’s feat achieved in 1993.
