How has Steve Smith performed at number 4 spot as he returns to his original batting position for BGT 2024?

Australia have announced that their star batter Steve Smith is set to move back to the number 4 spot. The move comes just months before the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 series. Travis Head as per reports is set to open the batting for Australia along with Usman Khawaja. 

The retirement of David Warner at the start of the year had seen Australia look for a new opener. Steve Smith was asked to open the batting and the star batter didn’t have a great time while facing the new ball. 

Steven Smith set to bat at No.4 in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. (SEN).



- Travis Head likely to open. pic.twitter.com/OoV8NKJInF

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 10, 2024

Travis Head has been the apt replacement for David Warner in the longest format. Just like his former opening partner, Head is a stroke player with the ability to tonk the ball hard. So far Head has batted 5 times in the opening slot and scored 223 runs with a best of 90 along with 1 fifty and an average of 55.75. 

Also read: How was Jasprit Bumrah's performance in his last Test match?

What do the numbers suggest for Steve Smith?

It is a well-thought off move to push Steve Smith to the number 4 spot ahead of the Border Gavaskar series. Steve Smith has batted 8 innings at the top of the order and scored 171 runs with a best of 91 not out. That knock came during the loss to West Indies earlier this year. 

Steve Smith has batted a total of 111 innings in the number 4 spot out of the 195 innings he has batted. The Australian superstar has scored 5966 runs at his favourite batting slot with an average of 61. Smith, has also hit 19 centuries and 26 fifties while recording 6 ducks and being not out on 14 occasions. 

One of the prime reasons behind the move is the fact that Australia realize the potency Indian bowlers have with the new ball. Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah will be a huge threat with the new ball. Steve Smith has struggled against the opening bowlers and the early loss of Smith could expose the Australian batting unit. 

Another point behind the move could be to seize the early momentum in the series. Travis Head has become one of the most feared batters in the world. His ability to take the bowlers to the cleaners is well-known. Travis Head has had success against India in the past and this will also give Australian batting much-needed cushion in the all-important series.