Australian Test opener Usman Khawaja has said he has always loved Steve Smith batting at number four. After David Warner’s retirement, Smith opened the batting against the West Indies and New Zealand in four Test matches.

The talisman scored 171 runs in four games at an average of 28 and had a mixed start as an opener. Meanwhile, Smith has a fantastic record while batting at number four for Australia.

Smith has amassed 5966 runs in 67 Test matches at an average of 61.50 while batting at number four.

“I’m not sure what the top six is going to be this summer. I’ve always loved Steve Smith batting at No. 4, I haven’t shied away from that. I love seeing him come in at No. 4 … you get two wickets, and who do you get walking in? The best batsman in the world. When you put him up to open, I feel like you’re kind of giving them a chance to get at him early,” Usman Khawaja said on Fox Cricket.

On the other hand, Smith is open to batting at any position as per the team’s demands.

“It’s a little bit of a quicker turnaround when you only have ten minutes, running off the field and you have to get back out there quickly. Outside of that, I don’t think there’s much change. I’ll bat wherever they want me to. I’m not that fussed. I’m pretty easy, whatever spot they want me to bat. I’m comfortable batting wherever,” Smith told Fox Cricket.

Smith has a great record while batting in the home conditions as he has scored 4701 runs in 53 Test matches at an average of 62.68.

Australia will play the first Test match against India at Perth from November 22.