Cricket

“He’ll just probably never say it, so I’ll say it for him” – Usman Khawaja feels Smith is best suited to bat at No.4 in red-ball cricket

Australian opener Usman Khawaja reckons Steve Smith is best suited to bat at number four position in the multi-day format. Smith is open to the challenge of batting anywhere for the team after David Warner’s retirement.

Smith opened in four Test matches against the West Indies and New Zealand but could only manage 171 runs at an average of 28.50.

Meanwhile, Smith has a fantastic record while batting at number four, scoring 5966 runs in 67 Test matches with an impressive average of 61.50, including 19 centuries and thus it makes sense that he bats at his usual position.

“He’ll just probably never say it. So I’ll say it for him. Opening is a very important spot … (but) I still think we have the best Test player of my era in the side, in Steve Smith, and his best spot has been number four. I feel like that’s his best spot. I feel like the best balance for our team is (Marnus) Labuschagne three, Smith four,” Khawaja told Fox Cricket.

After Warner’s retirement, Australia have managed to breach the 300-run mark on a solitary occasion in eight innings.

“For me, the number one consideration is ‘what’s best for the team?’. What order scores us the most runs? And if you look at how many runs we scored with Davey Warner in the team and Smudge batting at four, we scored a lot of runs. With Smudge opening, we’ve still won games, but I don’t think we’ve scored as many runs as we could’ve,” he added.

The left-hander feels Travis Head can open the innings with him in the red-ball format. Head has scored 223 runs while batting as an opener in five Test matches.

“At the end of the day, it’s a decision for the selectors. But if you have me opening, Labuschagne three, Smith four … I feel like Travis Head might be best suited. He’s obviously been very successful opening the batting in one-day cricket and, breaking it down, I’d probably lean towards him. But again, it’s not my decision,” Khawaja opined in the same interaction.

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024