India men's national cricket team is all set to face the big challenge in the red-ball format when they take on Australia in the five-match Test series at the end of the year 2024 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India have won all the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series since 2014-15 both home and away. They have secured the famous Gabba Test victory at Brisbane last time they visited Australia and secured the series victory 2-1 in their favour. Now they will have a challenge to defend the trophy and the series will also play a big role in the context of the World Test Championship. Australia will be on their toes this time to stop India on their tracks and keep the BGT trophy at their home. For that, they could change their batting order including that of Steve Smith's.  Australia Captain Mitchell Marsh Unlikely To Bowl in Upcoming Three-Match T20I Series Against England.

Since the retirement of David Warner from International Test cricket, Steve Smith was given a promotion to the opening spot to partner Usman Khawaja as a measure to accommodate Cameron Green in the middle order and also help Smith to improve his dwindling form. Although, Smith looked uncomfortable in his new position and the changed batting order didn't help with Australia losing a Test match at home against West Indies. Any such mistake against India might be costly and as a result, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald hinted at a possible change in the batting order of Australia.

Will Steve Smith Continue Opening in the Batting in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25?

According to Andrew McDonald's interview to SEN radio from England on Wednesday, the top six of Australia is likely to be the same as last summer. Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh are confirmed of their positions. Although McDonald hinted that Steve Smith's position can be changed and he can be back batting in the number four position with Travis Head being promoted to opening spot. Australia and England To Face Each Other at MCG in 2027 To Celebrate 150 Years of Test Cricket.

"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 adds layers to the decision-making. But nothing is firm and fixed at the moment." Said McDonald. He also added, it was by no means certain that Smith would continue to bat as an opener in Test matches.

 

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2024 05:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).