Sydney, Nov.1 : In a bid to shield Australia’s fragile top-order, captain Steven Smith has confirmed that he will move down to No.4 for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand.
The move will see experienced batsmen David Warner and Smith providing support to inexperienced opener Joe Burns and new No. 3 Usman Khawaja.
Smith continued his stellar run displayed against India last summer in the subsequent tour of West Indies and England this year. He averaged 71.90 in No.3 position and amassed brilliant scores of 199, 215 and 143 in addition to couple of fifties.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Smith said that breaking the more experienced players up a little bit in the order appeared to be the right thing to do but added that he would go back to his position if the plan doesn’t work.
While Burns will be playing his third Test match, Khawaja will make his tenth appearance in the longest format of the game when Australia will take on Brendon McCullum’s side at the Gabba on Thursday. (ANI)