The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed the Indian squad for the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025 against Australia, which is set to kick off on November 22. The four-match Test series promises to be an inte??nse contest, with India aiming to retain the trophy on Australia?n soil. While the squad features some familiar faces, there are a few notable exclusions that have raised eyebrows.

Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel miss out on the Test squad

Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who recently played in the first Test against New Zealand, has been left out of the Test squad for the Australia tour. Similarly, all-rounder Axar Patel has also been excluded from the Test setup, though he has secured a spot in the T20I squad for India’s upcoming series against South Africa.

Reason behind Kuldeep and Axar’s absence

The BCCI clarified that Kuldeep’s exclusion was due to an injury concern rather than a strategic choice. He has been dealing with a chronic problem in his left groin, wh??ich has been affecting his performance. As a result, after the conclusion of the ongoing Test series against New Zealand, Kuldeep has been sent to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for a long-term treatment plan to address and resolve this injury, making him unavailable for selection for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“Kuldeep Yadav was unavailable for selection for the tour of Australia since he has been referred to the BCCI Centre of Excellence after the end of the ongoing Test series against New Zealand for long term resolution of his chronic left groin issue,” read a statement from the BCCI.

Also READ: BCCI announce In??dia’s Test squad for Australia tour; Kuldeep Yadav misses out

As for Axar, the BCCI did not provide an official reason for his omission from the Test squad. Reports suggest that Axar may have fallen down the pecking order, with selectors opting for Washington Sundar, who is expected to play a key role in the spin department alongside Ravindra Jadeja. If India chooses to field two spinners, Sundar could even be considered ahead of veteran Ravichandran Ashwin, f??urther limiting opportunities for Axar in the Test setu?p.

Axar has been included in the T20I squad for the South Africa series starting on November 8 in Durban. However, the decision to leave him out of the Test squad indicates that the ??team management is looking for a ??more balanced combination for the tour down under.

Expectations from India in the BGT 2024-25

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is always a fiercely competitive series, and this time it is expected to be no different. India will be keen to defend their title and continue their dominance over Australia. With key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and J??adeja in the squad, the team will be?? banking on their experience and form to deliver strong performances.

Also READ: BCCI announce India’s T20I squ??ad for South Africa tour, includes 3 uncapped players

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Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has made his predictions for the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where India and Australia will face off in a five-match Test series. The series will commence in November 2024 and conclude in January 2025, with matches spread over three months. This high-profile contest is set to grab the attention of cricket fans globally. India has had notable success in Australia, having won the last two series on Australian soil in 2018-19 and 2020-21, both with a 2-1 margin.

Border Gavaskar Trophy Series schedule and venues

The series opener will take place in Perth, known for its fast, bouncy conditions that typically favor the home side. This will be followed by the second Test at the Adelaide Oval, where a day-night Test under lights will be played starting December 6. The third Test is scheduled in Brisbane from December 14 to 18. The series will then head to Melbourne for the traditional Boxing Day Test from December 26 to 30, with the final Test taking place in Sydney from January 3 to 7. The outcome of this series could play a crucial role in determining India’s qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, set to be held in June 2025 in England.

Yuvraj Singh’s bold prediction

During a discussion on the Club Prairie Fire YouTube Podcast, alongside cricket experts Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan, Yuvraj Singh expressed confidence in India’s chances of securing their third consecutive series win in Australia. Yuvraj predicted a 3-2 victory for Rohit Sharma’s team, continuing India’s impressive performance Down Under.

Also READ: BGT 2024-25: Dinesh Karthik drops a b??old predi??ction for the India-Australia Test series

Reflecting on resilience of he younger generation

Yuvraj highlighted India’s consistent performances in Australia over the last two tours. Despite India’s struggles in the ICC World Test Championship 2023 final, where Australia emerged victorious, Yuvraj pointed out that the team had previously made history by winning two back-to-back Test series in Australia. He recalled how India bounced back from being bowled out for just 36 runs in the opening Test of their la?st tour to eventually win the series 2-1, an achievement he believes showed the resilience of the younger generation.

“India were 30 all-out on the previous tour and they won the series 2-1 from there. I would have never thought India could win 2-1 after losing like that in the first Test. The current generation doesn’t think too much about the opposition, and I thought the preparation of the younger guys was really good when they went to Australia compared to when we toured back in the day,” Yuvraj said on the Club Prairie Fire Podcast.

Challenges ahead for Team India

While Yuvraj is optimistic about India’s chances, he acknowledged that winning in Australia is never an easy task. He emphasized the importance of preparation and teamwork, remarking that beating Australia in their home conditions is akin to winning a World Cup.

“Beating Australia twice in Australia is quite big, especially considering our history when we never won in Australia. I am sure they will be prepared but it won’t be easy beating Australia in Australia. It’s like winning a World Cup but it’s not impossible. If they prepare well and stick to each other, they can win,” Yuvraj concluded.

Australia’s motivation for victory

On the other hand, Australia will be motivated to reclaim the BGT on their home soil. Their last Test series win against India came during the 2014-15 series, and they will be eager to replicate that success in th?is upcoming contest. With both teams gearing up for an intense battle, the upcoming fight for the BGT promises to be one of the most thrilling Test series in recent memory.

Also READ: Not Virat Kohli! Nath?an Lyon warns Australia about an Indian batter who will be difficult to stop in BGT 2024-25

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As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 draws near, excitement among cricket fans is reaching new heights. The five-Test series between India and Australia, set to begin in Perth on November 22, promises to be a riveting contest between two cricketing powerhouses. Both teams are stacked with world-?class talent, and the battle for supremacy is expected to be intense as India aims for a historic third consecutive series win in Australia.

Amid the growing buzz, Australian cricket legend Steve Smith has made headlines by naming his pick for the best fast bowler across all formats of the game. Known for his astute cricketing mind and remarkable experience, Smith’s choice has only added to? the excitement, setting the stage for some electrifying battles between bat and ball in this prestigious series.

Steve Smith: A class act in modern cricket

Smith, a cricketing colossus, is one of the finest batters of the modern era. With 109 Tests under his belt, Smith has accumulated an impressive 9685 runs, and is on the brink of crossing the 10,000-run milestone in the upcoming series. His unorthodox technique, relentless determination, and incredible consistency have made him a dominant force in world cricket. As he gears up for another high-profile series, Smith’s form and experience will be pivotal for Australia’s success.

Also READ: Steve Sm?ith, Mitchell S?tarc and other Aussies pick Team India’s next superstar

Smith picks the best fast bowler across formats

In a candid conversation with Star Sports, Smith lauded India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, calling him ‘arguably the best fast bowler across the three formats.’ Smith emphasized Bumrah’s versatility and skills, stating, “He’s a wonderful bowler, whether I face him with the new ball, slightly older ball, or even the old ball. He’s got great skills with all of them. He’s a great bowler, arguably the best fast bowler across the three formats. It’s always going to be a challenge.”

This high praise from Smith, a seasoned campaigner, highlights Bumrah’s ability to excel in all situations and formats, making him one of the most feared bowl??ers in the world.

A battle to watch in the BGT 2024-25

As the India-Australia series unfolds, the contest between Smith and Bumrah will be one o?f the most anticipated matchups. Smith, renowned for his ability to counter pace and spin, will face a tough challenge from Bumrah, who has been in exceptional form since his Test debut in 2018, claiming 164 wickets in just 37 matches at a remarkable average of 20.52. Bumrah’s unique bowling action, lethal yorkers, and ability to swing the ball will be a stern test for Smith, setting the stage for an enthralling battle in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Also READ: Former India coach Rav?i Shastri predicts the result of Border-Gav?askar Trophy 2024-25

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Later this year, Team India will travel to Australia for a five-match Test series. The series, scheduled to begin on November 22 in Perth, mark the latest chapter in the iconic Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) rivalry between the two cricketing giants. This series holds immense significance, as both teams aim to assert dominance and secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The Indian ?cricket team will set their sights on retaining the trophy and creating hi??story on Australian soil.

Schedule breakdown of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

The series opener is slated to take place in Perth, where the fast, bouncy conditions are expected to favor the home side. Following the opening match, the prestigious Adelaide Oval will host a day-night Test from December 6, allowing both teams to test their skills under the lights. Brisbane will then host the third Test from December 14 to 18, with the final two matches scheduled at iconic venues – Melbourne (December 26-30) for the traditional Boxing Day Test, and Sydney (January 3-7) to close out the series. The outcome of this tour could significantly impact India’s chances of qualifying for the WTC final, which is scheduled for June 2025 in England.

India aiming for historic Test series hat-trick on Australian soil

India are on the verge of achieving a historic feat as they head into this series. Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, India will be eyeing their third consecutive Test series win in Australia, having previously triumphed in 2018-19 and 2020-21. If successful, India will become the f??irst Asian team to record a Test series hat-trick in Australia. Gi??ven that Australia are the reigning WTC, this achievement would elevate India’s stature as one of the most formidable cricketing nations. Team India, bolstered by a blend of experience and emerging talent, are eager to cement their legacy in the annals of cricket history.

Also READ: Dinesh Karthik picks perfect replacements? fo?r Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane ahead of BGT 2024-25

Dinesh Karthik’s bold prediction: Australia hold the upper hand

Ahead of the high-octane series, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik shared his insights, predicting a tough challenge for India. Karthik acknowledged that although Indi??a have a chance to make his?tory, Australia holds the upper hand on their home turf.

“I can’t tell the exact score line, but I do think Australia have the upper hand. It’s going to be very hard for India to beat them on Australian shores for the third time on the bounce.  They will face an in-form Australian side. It’s not by chance they won the World Test Championship last time. It’s no easy task. But if India do it, it will be one of the greatest things the Indian cricket team has ever achieved, no doubt about it.” Karthik stated during an interview with Cricbuzz.

Australia seeking redemption

While India dominated the Test series on their home soil earlier this year, Australia managed to exact some revenge by winning the 2023 WTC Final. Pat Cummins and his side outclassed India in the WTC final held in June, further intensifying the rivalry between the two teams. Despite India’s recent dominance in bilateral series, Australia will be eager to reclaim their place as victors in the BGT, making this upcoming series a battle for redemption. With India last defeating Australia in their 2023 home series 2-1, the stakes for the series in Australia have never been higher.

Also READ: Not Virat Kohli! Nathan Lyon warns Australia about an Indian batter who will ??be difficult to stop in BGT 2024-25

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Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma celebrates his 36th birthday on Monday (September 2). Known for his formidable presence in Test cricket, Ishant first captured the cricketing world’s attention during the 2007-08 Test series in Australia. Since then, he has fi??rmly established himself as a re??d-ball specialist, representing India in over 100 Test matches.

His success isn’t limited to Tests alone; Ishant also contributed significantly to India’s limited-overs successes, including their Champions Trophy 2013 victory. In recognition? of his outstanding contributions to cricket, Ishant was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2020.

Ishant Sharma’s top pick for a final bowling showdown

On this special day, Star Sports India shared an engaging video featuring Ishant and fellow cricketer Harbhajan Singh. In the video, the two cricketing stars engaged in a lively conversation with host Sahiba Bali. When asked whom he would choose to bowl to if given one final chance against an Australian batter, Ishant didn’t hesitate to name former Australian captain Steve Smith.

Despite the challenges, Ishant ?managed to dismiss Smith only once in eight Test encounters, during which Smith scored an impressive 176 runs off 364 balls against hi?m, maintaining an average of 176. In limited-overs cricket, Ishant had more success, dismissing Smith twice in seven games.

Happy Birthday to the Indian speedster! 🥳

Watch #HarbhajanSingh, @ImIshant, and #SahibaBali share a funny story from a classic Ishant vs. #SteveSmith encounter. 🎂 pic.twitter.com/1CGtvMcHf3

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 2, 2024

A memorable incident during the Border Gavaskar Trophy

Harbhajan reminded Ishant of a memorable and humorous incident from their fierce Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test series against Australia. During the second Test of the 2017 series at Bengaluru, Ishant was seen making comical faces at Smith, a gesture aimed at imitating Smith’s distinctive batting mannerisms. This playful banter occurred at a crucial moment, with India having lost the first Test at Pune. The Bengaluru Test was pivotal, and Ishant’s antics, which included making faces that amused even captain Virat Kohli, became a highlight. India went on to win th?e Bengaluru Test by 75 runs, co?ntributing to their series win.

Also READ: Meet Ishant Sharma’s wife �Pratima Singh: A talented athlete an?d loving partner

Ishant’s international career and recent performances

Although Ishant hasn’t played for the Indian national team since the home Test series against New Zealand in 2021, he remains an influential figure in domestic cricket. He is India’s joint-fifth highest wicket-taker in Tests, with 311 wickets? at an average of 32.40 from 105 matches. Additionally, Ishant has accumulated 123 wickets across 80 ODIs and 14 T20Is. His last appearance in white-ball cricket was in 2016 duri?ng an ODI series in Australia.

Impactful performances in the IPL

Despite his absence from international cricket, Ishant continued to make an impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the 2024 season, representing the Delhi Capitals (DC), Ishant showcased his skill by taking 10 wickets at an average of 26.50 in nine matches. His performances were pivotal in DC’s resurgence during the latter half of the season. Ishant also had a commendable performance in IPL 2023, picking up 10 wickets in eight games. Though DC missed the playoffs for a third consecutive season, Ishant’s new-ball spells were a key factor in their improved performances.

As the IPL Mega Auction approaches later this year, it remains to be seen whether Ishant will continue with DC or find a new home with another franch?ise. His ability to deliver impactful performances, even at this stage of his career, makes him a valuable player in the T20 league.

Also READ: IPL 2025? Auction: 4 players DC can retain as per the current �?+1�rule

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India‘s final assignment in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle will be a tour to Australia for the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), scheduled to commence in November 2024 and conclude in January 2025. This five-Test series is set to capture significant attention from cri??cket enthusiasts worldwide. India have recently been one of the few teams to challenge Australia on their home turf, having clinched series victories in both the 2018-19 and 2020-21 tours with a 2-1 margin.?? The upcoming series is expected to be a gripping spectacle.

The legacy of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane

India’s previous tours to Australia featured notable contributions from Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, who were instrumental in India’s middle order. Pujara, with 103 Test matches, accumulated 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 206. Rahane, who played 85 Tests, scored 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 fifties, with a top score of 188. Together, they formed a dependable middle-order partnership.

The decline and selection changes

Following India’s historic win at The Gabba in Brisbane in January 2021, both Pujara and Rahane experienced a noticeable decline in performance, leading to their exclusion from Test selection for over a year. Rahane’s last Test appearance was against the West Indies in July 2023, while Pujara? last played against Australia in?? June 2023 at The Oval. The national selectors have since moved on from them, seeking fresh talent for the team.

Also READ: Cricket Weekly Roundu??p: From the appointment of a new ICC chairman to Joe Root’s historic Test ton

Dinesh Karthik names potential replacement ahead of BGT 2024-25

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batter, has suggested that Shubman Gill and Sarfaraz Khan could be ideal candidates to fill the void left by Pujara and Rahane. Both players demonstrated their prowess in the home Test series against England earlier this year, and Karthik believed they are strong contenders for the upcoming BGT in Australia. Karthik acknowledged the challenge of replacing two stalwarts like Pujara and Rahane but expressed confidence in Gill and Khan’s ability to rise to the occasion.

Karthik remarked, “Shubman Gill and Sarfaraz Khan—both of these batters have excelled against England in the recent home series. I anticipate both will be selected for the Australia tour and will aim to perform at their best. It remains to be seen if they can fill the significant shoes of Ajinkya and Pujara, but they possess the quality and caliber to succeed,”

Before heading to Australia, India will host Bangladesh and New Zealand in a two-match and three-match Test series, respectively. The series agai??nst Bangladesh is set to begin on September 19 in Chennai.

Also READ: Rahul Dravid’s s??o??n Samit gets maiden India call up as BCCI announces U-19 squad for Australia series

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The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) has become one of the most fiercely contested Test series in modern cricket, with India and Australia engaging in epic battles over the years. The rivalry has only intensified in the last decade, particularly as India has emerged victorious in the last three series, including two on Australian soil. The upcoming five-match Test seri?es, scheduled to start in late November 2024, is expected to be ?another chapter in this storied rivalry.

Australia’s quest to reclaim dominance

Australia, led by Pat Cummins, is under pressure to reassert their dominance at home, especially after losing the last two BGT series to India in their own backyard. The 2024 series is critical for Australia, not just for the pride of winning the BGT but also as a preparation for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final in 2025. Despite winning the WTC title and the ODI World Cup recently, the loss of the BGT remains a sore point for ??Australia.

India’s confidence and overseas success

India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, will enter the series with confidence, knowing they have the formula to win overseas, particularly in Australia. Their recent success, including the historic series win under Virat Kohli in 2018-19 and Ajinkya Rahane in 2020-21, has set a high standard. The Indian team’s ability to adapt to foreign conditions and perform consistently has made them a formidable opponent in any away series, particularly against Australia.

Also READ: Is Virat Kohli a ‘bunny�of Scott?? B??oland? Australia pacer responds to the playful query

Adam Gilchrist predicts the winner of the BGT 2024-25

As anticipation builds for the upcoming BGT between India and Australia, legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist has weighed in on the potential outcome of the highly anticipated series. With India set to tour Australia for the five-match Test series starting in late November 2024, Gilchrist emphasized the challenge that lies ahead for both teams, particularly for ??the hosts.

In an interview with The Times of India, Gilchrist highlighted that the onus is on the Australian team to prove their dominance at home, especially after their recent struggles against India in this particular series. Australia have not won the BGT in over a decade, with India securing memorable victories during thei??r last two tours of Australia. Even though Gilchrist went for host to win the contest, he acknowledged that India have developed a reputation for being formidable in overseas conditions, making the upcoming series a signifi?cant test for Cummins and his team.

“Onus is on Australia to prove they are the dominant force at home. India know how to go away and win overseas. Naturally, I’m going to say Australia, hope they get there. But it’s too close to call. It will be a close tussle,” Gilchrist said.

Also READ: Not Virat Kohli! Nathan Lyon warns ???Australia about an Indian batter who will be difficult to stop in BGT 2024-25

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India are set to embark on a challenging tour to Australia this November for a five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test series, aiming ??to build on their impressive recent performances against the Aussies in Test cricket. This series will mark the first five-Test series between these two cricketing giants since the 1991/92 season, which also took place in Australia.

India’s recent dominance in Border Gavaskar Trophy

In recent years, India have established a remarkable record against Australia in Test cricket. The last four series between the two sides have all ended in India’s favor, each by a narrow 2-1 margin. This includes their groundbreaking victories on Australian soil in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 series. The latter series was particularly notable as it came amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with India managing a memorable draw at Sydney before clinching victory in the final Test at the Gabba with a severely depleted and inexperienced squad.

Australia’s last series win over India occurred during the 2014/15 season. The Aussies won the first two Tests in Adelaide and Brisbane, with the third Test in Melbourne ending in a draw. This series also saw a significant shift in Indian cricket, as MS Dhoni resigned from his captaincy mid-series, handing over the leadership to Virat Kohli.

Australian perspective: Nathan Lyon’s comments

Looking ahead to the upcoming series, Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon shared his thoughts with ESPNCricinfo, emphasizing the host team’s determination to reverse their recent fortunes against India. Lyon expressed a strong desire to reclaim the trophy. He acknowledged India’s prowess but remained focused on the goal of winning back the series.

“It’s been ten years of unfinished business, it’s been a long time, and I know we’re extremely hungry to turn things around especially here at home. Don’t get me wrong, India is an absolute superstar side and extremely challenging but I’m extremely hungry to turn things around and make sure we get that trophy back,” Lyon said.

Also READ: Usman Khawaja selects Steve Smith’s ??batting position for the BGT 2024-25 against India

Lyon’s warning for the Australian bowlers

Lyon also highlighted Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal as a significant challenge for the Australian bowlers. He mentioned having discussions with England spinner Tom Hartley about Jaiswal’s capabilities, particularly after Hartley’s experiences during the county season with Lancashire.

“I haven’t come across him [Jaiswal] yet, but that will be a massive challenge for all us bowlers. The way he played against England, I watched that quite closely and thought that was quite amazing. I had some really good chats with Tom Hartley about different ways he went about it to different guys which I found quite interesting. I love talking about cricket, so if I can talk to someone who has played Test cricket I might be able to pick up something I’m not aware of. There’s so much knowledge floating around this game that we can always tap into,” Lyon concluded.

Jaiswal’s performance in India’s recent Test series against England was impressive; he amassed 712 runs at an average of 89, including two double centuries and three fifties. Despite Hartley’s efforts, Jaiswal was dismissed only once in five Tests. Jaiswal will be touring Australia for the first time with the senior team, and he will be keen to make an impact against a formidable Australian bowling attack.

Also READ: Not Rohit Sh?arma or Virat Kohli! Wasim Jaffer names 3 Indian players crucial for BGT 2024-25 win over Australia

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Australian batter Usman Khawaja has openly expressed his preference for Steve Smith to bat at different position rather than as an opener in the Test line-up. Smith, who has been opening for Australia in Tests since David Warner‘s retirement following the home series against Pakistan in early 2024, has struggled to find his form at the top of the order. Despite Australia’s successful run, including a 2-0 series win in New Zealand, Smith’s performance as an opener remains a concern.

Steve Smith’s struggles as an opener for Australia

In the four matches Smith has played as an opener, he has scored just 171 runs at an average of 28.50, with only one half-century to his name. While the team has seen success, Smith’s struggles with the bat have been evident. His lone significant contribution was a 91 not out against the West Indies in a day-night Test at the Gabba, a match Australia eventually lost due to a standout bowling performance by Shamar Joseph.

Usman Khawaja’s preference for Smith 

Speaking to Fox Cricket, Khawaja emphasized his belief that Smith should return to his usual No. 4 position, where he has historically excelled. “I’ve always loved Steve Smith batting at No. 4, I haven’t shied away from that. I love seeing him come in at No. 4 â€?you get two wickets, and who do you get walking in? The best batsman in the world,” Khawaja said. He further elaborated that opening the batting ??exposes Smith to early risks, which could be avoided by having him come in at his favored position.

Also READ: Not Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli! Wasim Jaffer names 3 Ind?ian players crucial for BGT 2024-?25 win over Australia

Smith’s legacy and the way forward

Smith is Australia’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests, amassing 9,685 runs at an exceptional average of 56.97 in 109 matches. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure have made him a cornerstone of the Australian Test team. However, the experiment of promoting him to the top of the order has not yielded the desired results. Smith himself has previously expressed a desire to bat higher up the order, aiming to reduce his waiting time to bat and allow all-rounders like Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green to feature in the playing XI.

The Border-Gavaskar series: A crucial Test against India

With the Border-Gavaskar series on the horizon, the Australian team will be looking to field their strongest possible line-up. Khawaja emphasized his preference for Smith at number four, noting that Smith averages 60 in that position, despite his ability to score at any spot in the lineup. He strongly advocates for Smith’s return to the middle order. Khawaja’s call for Smith to move back to No. 4 could be pivotal in ensuring that the team’s batting order is optimized for success against a formidable Indian side.

“I’m not sure what the top six is going to be this summer. I’ve always loved Steve Smith batting at No. 4; I haven’t shied away from that. I know Steve Smith can score runs at one, two, three, four, five, or six, but the man averages 60 at four, so my preference has always been Smudge (Steve Smith) at four,â€?/em> Khawaja concluded.