Steve Smith Ready for Border-Gavaskar Trophy Against India
Melbourne, Australia – Australian cricketer Steve Smith is gearing up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, starting in November. Smith, who has been struggling as an opener since David Warner’s retirement, expressed his flexibility in batting positions.
Speaking to FOX Cricket, Smith said, “It has 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 do not think there’s much change. I will bat wherever they want me to. I am not that fussed. I am pretty easy, whatever spot they want me to bat. I am comfortable batting wherever.”
Smith has had a challenging time as an opener, scoring 171 runs in four Tests at an average of 28.50, with his highest score being 91*. However, he has been more successful at number three and four positions. At number four, he has scored 5,966 runs at an average of 61.50 in 67 Tests, while at number three, he has scored 1,744 runs at an average of 67.07 in 17 Tests.
Usman Khawaja, Smith’s opening partner, prefers seeing Smith bat at number four. Khawaja said, “I have always loved Steve Smith batting at No. 4, I have not 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 are kind of giving them a chance to get at him early.”
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will begin with the first Test at Perth Stadium from November 22 to November 26. The second Test will be a day-night match at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18. The series will continue with the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30 and conclude with the final Test at Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.
Doubts Revealed
Steve Smith -: Steve Smith is a famous cricketer from Australia. He is known for being a very good batsman.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy -: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a series of cricket matches played between India and Australia. It is named after two famous cricketers, Allan Border from Australia and Sunil Gavaskar from India.
David Warner -: David Warner is another famous Australian cricketer. He used to play as an opener, which means he was one of the first two batsmen to start the game.
Usman Khawaja -: Usman Khawaja is an Australian cricketer who also plays for the national team. He has an opinion on where Steve Smith should bat in the lineup.
Perth Stadium -: Perth Stadium is a big sports stadium in Perth, Australia. It is one of the places where the cricket matches will be played.
Sydney Cricket Ground -: Sydney Cricket Ground is another famous sports stadium in Sydney, Australia. The final match of the series will be played here.
