Smith\u2019s stint as an opener saw him score an unbeaten 91 in the day-night Test at the Gabba, but his overall performance was mixed, with 171 runs at an average of 28.50 across eight innings. He was dismissed LBW three times and struggled against deliveries on the inside edge, raising questions about his adaptation to the new role. Despite these challenges, Smith remains adaptable and ready to shift back to the middle order if required.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m comfortable batting wherever,\u201d Smith told Fox Cricket. \u201cWe\u2019ll see what that looks like, I suppose, whether they want me to continue (opening the batting) or go back to three or four. We\u2019ll wait and see. I\u2019m pretty easy batting anywhere. We\u2019ll just see what stacks up and what the brain trust wants.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI like to stand up in the big series and do well and help the team. Hopefully, there\u2019s much of the same this summer.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Smith confessed the ten-minute turnaround between innings was the only part of opening the batting that took him a while to adjust to.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a little bit of a quicker turnaround when you only have ten minutes, running off the field and you have to get back out there quickly,\u201d Smith explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOutside of that, I don\u2019t think there\u2019s much change.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Australian selector George Bailey has suggested that the team\u2019s top six might remain unchanged ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India starting in November. Smith's openness to returning to the middle order aligns with this flexibility.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Usman Khawaja, another Australian opener, has voiced a preference for Smith to bat at No. 4, citing his exceptional record in the middle order. Smith has averaged 61.50 in 111 Test innings at No. 4, including 19 centuries. Khawaja believes that Smith\u2019s presence at No. 4 would be advantageous, stating, \u201cWhen you put him up to open, I feel like you\u2019re kind of giving them a chance to get at him early.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Smith acknowledges the adjustment required when opening the batting, particularly the quick turnaround between innings. However, he remains unperturbed and is focused on contributing to the team\u2019s success in the upcoming series.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI like to stand up in the big series and do well and help the team. Hopefully, there\u2019s much of the same this summer,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Before the Test series against India, Smith plans to participate in a few Sheffield Shield matches for New South Wales. These games will provide him with an opportunity to acclimate to the swinging Kookaburra ball. Smith has yet to discuss his specific role with the Blues but has reiterated his readiness to bat wherever needed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI like to stand up in the big series and do well and help the team. Hopefully, there\u2019s much of the same this summer,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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