Steve Smith's batting experiment ends as he returns to No. 4 slot for India Test series

Australia have confirmed that Steve Smith will bat at No.4 against India in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Test series. Smith had taken up the opener’s slot after David Warner’s retirement following the Sydney Test at the start of 2024. Smith scored 91 against West Indies in his second Test as an opener but struggled in New Zealand, scoring just 51 runs in four innings.

Cameron Green batted at No.4 slot in Smith’s absence but the all-rounder has been ruled out of the India series as he is set to undergo back surgery.

Australia national selector George Bailey on Monday confirmed that Smith will be brought back to his No.4 slot.

“Pat, Andrew and Steve Smith had been having ongoing convers, separate to the untimely injury to Cameron (Green),” Bailey told reporters.

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“Steve had expressed a desire to move back down from that opening position, and Pat and Andrew have confirmed that he will be dropping back down the order for the summer.”

The Test series against India starts on 22 November with the first Test in Perth. The last Test will be played at Sydney from 3-7 January 2025.

India vs Australia Test series schedule;

First Test: November 22-26: Perth Stadium
Second Test: December 6-10: Adelaide Oval
Third Test: December 14-18: The Gabba
Fourth Test: December 26-30: MCG, Melbourne
Fifth Test: January 3-7: SCG, Sydney

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