‘They Hated Me Up Top’: Steve Smith Opens Up On Decision To Give Up Opening Spot In Tests Ahead Of IND vs AUS Series

Steve Smith has revealed the reason behind him deciding to move back down to number 4 from opening in the Australian Test batting lineup ahead of the Australia vs India Test series.

Steve Smith, the Australian ace batter, revealed the reason behind his decision to move back to his earlier batting position of number four in the Australian Test team’s batting lineup ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Smith took the role of an opener in Tests for Australia after Dvaid Warner’s retirement in January but could not emulate his middle-order success at the top. Notably, Smith scored 171 runs in 8 innings at an average of 28.50 as an opener.

Australia men’s national selector George Bailey earlier said that Smith had asked for a switch back to his original batting position. However, Smith clarified that although he could bat anywhere in the lineup, his preferred batting position would be number four, as it would be his ideal position in the team.

"I got asked where I'd prefer to bat, and I said four … I also said I'm happy batting wherever, I'm not really too fussed," Smith told reporters on Monday at stumps on day two of New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield match against Victoria, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

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"I got 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," Smith added.

Marnus And Uzzie Hated Me Up Top: Steve Smith

Smith also shared that opener Usman Khawaja and number three Marnus Labuschagne ‘hated’ him being the opener since they wanted some security behind them in the batting lineup for Australia; which also contributed to Smith moving back down the order.

"Obviously there's a spot there now with Greeny out. Conversations we had after New Zealand, with particularly Marnus and Uzzie, they hated me up top, to be honest. They wanted me behind them. So that was a big part of it. And then obviously I've got a decent record at four,” Smith said.

Despite the decision to move back down the batting order, Smith said that he had fun while opening for Australia and that he is still of the view that he can do the job. However, he feels that batting at number four, where he has predominantly played and scored 5,966 runs at an average of 61.50—including 19 centuries and 26 fifties—is where he can make the greatest contribution to his team.

"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. But I've done pretty well at four for a number of years now. I feel like it's probably where I can have my best input for this team at the moment."