"I'd be lying if I said the conversation wasn't happening" - Andrew McDonald on Steve Smith's batting position in Tests
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald admitted that internal discussions are underway regarding the fate of Steve Smith as an opening batter in Tests. The ace batter was promoted to the top of the order following David Warner's retirement earlier this year. The move has allowed Australia to slot in Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh in the lineup but has also seen some drawbacks.
So far, Smith has featured in two series as an opener. But barring a fighting half-century in the day-night clash against the West Indies at The Gabba, he does not have much to show for. He struggled against the new ball in testing New Zealand conditions. The Aussies have a huge decision to make regarding his position, keeping the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India at home in mind.
The decision to promote Smith has not been well-received, particularly by former opening batters. The likes of Aaron Finch, Matthew Hayden, and Justin Langer have all recommended that Smith be restored to his original No. 4 position in the batting order.
Head coach Andrew McDonald stated that no final decision surrounding Smith's batting position has been made yet, but provided some insight into the same.
“That's the question on everyone's lips, isn't it? Whilst we've got an eye to it, we haven't made any firm decisions around that one. There’s plenty of speculation around that. But in the background, I'd be lying if I said the conversation wasn't happening. There are conversations around a lot of what ifs in terms of that Test summer that is to come," McDonald told SEN ahead of the England tour.
McDonald added that the New South Wales state side will be kept in the loop so that Smith's preparation for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy aligns with the team's plans.
"We'll unveil everything, and we'll let (NSW coach) Greg Shipperd know what our plans are and then we'll see what he does with his New South Wales side should Steve Smith play Shield cricket," he added
Smith is among a few senior players along with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, who could feature in the Sheffield Shield to prepare for the home season.
"Cummins as the captain is a big part of that" - Andrew McDonald on making the call regarding Smith's batting position
The head coach claimed that along with his input, captain Pat Cummins' thoughts concerning Smith's position will play a huge factor in the ultimate decision. The ace pacer is not part of the Aussie squad in England for the white-ball series as he is midway through an extended break after a hectic T20 season.
“What am I willing to share? Not a lot at this stage. All I can say is the conversation's happening. Clearly, Patty Cummins as the captain is a big part of that, he’s rehabbing at the moment, he’s not over here (in the UK)," McDonald said in the same interaction.
"We've already had some chats in Sydney initially around what we're thinking for the summer, and that goes right down to depth bowling and what it looks like, all those hypotheticals and what ifs that we always go through. Clearly, if we make a shift with Steve Smith, then someone else will have to go to the top," McDonald concluded.
If Smith does return to No. 4, Australia might have to sacrifice one of their top six batters to bring in a bonafide opening batter from the domestic circuit. If they wish to persist with the same set of batters, then another makeshift opener might be the answer. Several former players have put forward Travis Head's name for the role.