NEW DELHI: Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald has disclosed that discussions are in progress regarding Steve Smith‘s batting order in Tests ahead of the five-match series against India beginning November 22.
Smith, who moved up to open the innings with Usman Khawaja following David Warner’s retirement earlier this year, has had inconsistent performances.
Smith’s average over four Tests as an opener stands at 28.50, significantly lower than his career average of 56.97.His performance at the top of the order has raised concerns within the team.
“That’s the question on everyone’s lips, isn’t it? Whilst we’ve got an eye to it, we haven’t made any firm decisions around that one. There’s plenty of speculation around that. But in the background, I’d be lying if I said the conversation wasn’t happening,” McDonald told SEN.
“There are conversations around a lot of what ifs in terms of that Test summer that is to come. We’ll unveil everything, and we’ll let Greg Shipperd (NSW coach) know what our plans are and then we’ll see what he does with his New South Wales side should Steve Smith play Shield cricket,” he added.
McDonald mentioned that Pat Cummins, the Test captain, would also be part of the decision-making process regarding Smith’s batting position before the series begins.
“What am I willing to share? Not a lot at this stage. All I can say is the conversation’s happening. Clearly, Patty Cummins as the captain is a big part of that, he’s rehabbing at the moment, he’s not over here (in the UK),” he said.
“We’ve already had some chats in Sydney initially around what we’re thinking for the summer, and that goes right down to depth bowling and what it looks like, all those hypotheticals and what ifs that we always go through.
“Clearly, if we make a shift with Steve Smith, then someone else will have to go to the top. We’ve seen Cameron Green be really successful at number four as well. So that sort of adds layers to the decision-making. But nothing is firm and fixed on at the moment,” McDonald added.
The first Test between India and Australia will be played in Perth from November 22.
Smith, who moved up to open the innings with Usman Khawaja following David Warner’s retirement earlier this year, has had inconsistent performances.
Smith’s average over four Tests as an opener stands at 28.50, significantly lower than his career average of 56.97.His performance at the top of the order has raised concerns within the team.
“That’s the question on everyone’s lips, isn’t it? Whilst we’ve got an eye to it, we haven’t made any firm decisions around that one. There’s plenty of speculation around that. But in the background, I’d be lying if I said the conversation wasn’t happening,” McDonald told SEN.
“There are conversations around a lot of what ifs in terms of that Test summer that is to come. We’ll unveil everything, and we’ll let Greg Shipperd (NSW coach) know what our plans are and then we’ll see what he does with his New South Wales side should Steve Smith play Shield cricket,” he added.
McDonald mentioned that Pat Cummins, the Test captain, would also be part of the decision-making process regarding Smith’s batting position before the series begins.
“What am I willing to share? Not a lot at this stage. All I can say is the conversation’s happening. Clearly, Patty Cummins as the captain is a big part of that, he’s rehabbing at the moment, he’s not over here (in the UK),” he said.
“We’ve already had some chats in Sydney initially around what we’re thinking for the summer, and that goes right down to depth bowling and what it looks like, all those hypotheticals and what ifs that we always go through.
“Clearly, if we make a shift with Steve Smith, then someone else will have to go to the top. We’ve seen Cameron Green be really successful at number four as well. So that sort of adds layers to the decision-making. But nothing is firm and fixed on at the moment,” McDonald added.
The first Test between India and Australia will be played in Perth from November 22.
