Australia news – Steven Smith’s Test opens the end of the middle order comeback in India

Speculation has surrounded Smith’s batting position since Australia’s final Test series against New Zealand in March after his eight innings at the top of the order yielded 171 runs at 28.50.

“And I think Steve had expressed a desire to step back from that opening position. Pat and Andrew have confirmed that he’ll be moving down the order in the summer. So, yes, we obviously have the No. 4 spot to fill and an opening to fill.”

Bailey did not put a stamp on whether Smith would go in at number 4 in the first Test against India which starts on November 22 in Perth and was careful to emphasize that Cummins and McDonald were the ones who decided the batting order. He added that the order has not been clarified as there are five weeks left before the first ball is thrown.

Bailey indicated that Smith would have moved without Green’s injury but would not reveal how they would line up the top six if Green were ready to play.

“Part of those discussions were about what it could look like,” he said. “But I think once you get the moving parts, a lot of those conversations become pointless.”

Time to open a specialist?

It looks like Australia’s selectors will choose an opening slot to replace Green and move Smith back to his preferred position. Bailey was asked if the need for more bowling in the top six was necessary, given Green’s absence and questions about Mitchell Marsh’s bowling. But he was quick to note that Australia’s attack had played without the allrounder before.

“They’ve done it in the past,” Bailey said. “You never know how each Test is going to play out in terms of the pace workload, or how much of an impact Nathan Lyon is going to have over the summer. We’ve certainly been and will continue to prepare Mitch Marsh to bowl the overs, and that’s part of his management and build a few months ago in the past There are many ways to bring a team together.”

“He’s in trouble like a lot of others. I don’t want to single him out at all. I think Cam Bancroft’s consistency in a couple of years, Marcus Harris’s consistency in a couple of years, they’ve both looked at Test cricket so I don’t think there’s any need to put undue pressure on Sam.

George Bailey on Sam Konstas’ chances of a Test call-up

“No, we still love Matt’s ability to play,” Bailey said. “Regarding Australia A, part of the process is trying to identify opportunities that may exist in the short term for any opportunities that may arise, but also to ensure that we are always looking to develop opportunities. for those players who may be important in different roles in the future.

“So even though there’s an Australia A team there, I think Matt Renshaw, Pete Handscomb, Nic Maddinson as three examples are guys we’ll continue to look at in Shield cricket.”

Bailey suggested that 19-year-old Konstas could put himself in a position to open for India if he continues to play following his twin centuries in the first round of the Shield.

“He’s in trouble like many others,” Bailey said. “I don’t want to single him out. I think Cam Bancroft’s consistency over a couple of years, Marcus Harris’ consistency over a couple of years, they’ve both looked at Test cricket. So I don’t think there’s any need at the moment to put undue pressure on Sam.

“He’s five games into his senior career. He’s off to a good start, and he looks like he’s got a good game going that we’re really excited about and looking forward to at the A level, and we’re going to play. Just keep watching as that plays out.”

Bailey also noted that the Bancroft pair who were not present when they played Queensland in the opening round of the Shield season will not be included.

“I talked to Cam after that game, I said jokingly, if he’s there [wasn’t] in such a good nick, he might have played and missed those,” Bailey said. “So that might be the best sign of the whole summer. Many batsmen were able to find a feather in Michael Neser’s early delivery. So no harm done. You certainly have bank credits. His consistency over the years has been amazing, as have several of the other players I’ve listed. One game like that wouldn’t make an impact.”