'Depending on what we want to do...' - Australia skipper Steve Smith opens up on his batting position in Champions Trophy 2025

Former Australia skipper and modern-day batting great Steve Smith is set to be in action for his side in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Besides that, he will also be leading the team as a stand-in skipper in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins. The Aussies under the captaincy of Steve Smith will start their journey in the tournament with their campaign opener against England on Saturday.

Notably, Smith is the only captain among all eight participating teams in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, who also led his side in the previous edition of the tournament eight years back in 2017.

Meanwhile, Smith also spoke about his possible batting number in the Champions Trophy 2025. The skipper also cleared the air around the question of him batting at any permanent batting order in the ongoing marquee international tournament.

It might change from batting first to second as well – Steve Smith

The 35-year-old feels that he could change his batting order according to the demands of the situation for Australia. It will also depend if the Australian side will be batting first or bowling first.

“We will wait and see. It is part of our discussions around flexibility and role-specific things throughout the tournament. One day I might be three, one day I might be four - we will see. It might change from batting first to second as well, depending on what we want to do what we are chasing and what we're trying to achieve,” said Smith to cricket.com.au.

“I think dew is going to be a huge part in the back end of the second innings, whether we want to load up the back end a little bit more. I know there are five (fielders) out at that stage, but I think with a wet ball that kind of negates that in a way, particularly with guys that have played a lot of T20 cricket who know what they can do with five out when the ball's skidding on nicely. There are different scenarios that we can go down, but we are going to be flexible and adaptable throughout,” he added later.