If not Steven Smith, then who? Australia’s opening debate of the India series

Smith has eight centuries in Test batting No. 3 and averaged 67.07 at that spot, higher than his 61.50 at No. 4, but he hasn’t hit there since 2017. Part of Smith’s desire to open up was driven by the fact that he was frustrated. for waiting so long to hit no. 4 and the first drop would be a free central house for him. It could also mean that Green, Head and Marsh occupy their preferred positions at Number 4, 5 and 6.

But removing Labuschagne from No. 3, where he has 11 Test centuries and an average of 51.78, only to make way for Smith to return to No. 3 may not please the crowds let alone Smith, Labuschagne and Khawaja.

There was a brief period before Warner’s retirement when there was a real chance for Green to open the batting. Green was preparing, spending time with batting coach Michael Di Venuto against the new ball during Warner’s final Test in Sydney when the all-rounder ran for drinks. The selectors were weighing the selection heavily in their desire to pick six batsmen and add a sixth bowling option. Green was spared the big job when Smith raised his hand.

Asking Green to add an opening role to his heavy portfolio would limit his bowling availability. Green is also on record as saying that No.4 is his preferred position, having managed in that role in Western Australia, saying he feels more comfortable there than he does at No.

Head’s average record against spin in the subcontinent has also been a factor. He was reinstated at No. 5 when Australia left India and promptly scored 163 in the World Test Championship final against the same team. Head could well open the batting in Sri Lanka later in the summer, but the selectors prefer his attacking flair at No.5 in home conditions.

Head was asked last summer about a possible opening before Warner’s farewell and said his preference was to remain at No.5 in the Australian conditions, although it is not known if his status has changed.

The case against both Green and Chief also applies to Marsh. The West Australian also made it clear that he will not be comfortable going to the top after taking a long time to find his happy place at No. 6. He was a regular Test batsman in Australia last summer and has redeemed time in the side again. and with a brave innings of opposition that goes into four-down.

He also bluntly stated that his style is not suited to batting more in a system, let alone facing the fast bowlers of the opposition team with a brand new ball that is compatible with seaming and rolling conditions. Marsh’s record in Shield cricket is a testament to that where he averaged just 29.98 for WA in 95 innings and never batted higher than No. 5.

Like Green his bowling will be important throughout the summer, but his body is more fragile than Green’s and will need more management and rest. That’s why he won’t be able to bowl in Australia’s 11-match white-ball game in the UK.

Like Head, Marsh’s form against the new ball in white-ball cricket has led to him using himself at his best in Test cricket to accommodate Smith’s backswing. Marsh would do anything for the team and would do his best if asked to do it, but it is unlikely that the selectors will put him in that position as they find the best option for him.