Australia’s cricket coach, Andrew McDonald, has indicated that the top six batsmen who concluded the last Test season are likely to feature in the upcoming five-match series against India later this year.
However, McDonald noted that the batting order might not necessarily remain the same. Steve Smith, who stepped into the opening slot following David Warner's retirement from Test cricket last season, might not retain that position. McDonald stated that it was by no means certain Smith would continue in that role.
The Australian selectors now face the decision of whether Steve Smith should continue opening in future matches.
"While we've got an eye to it, we haven't made any firm decisions around that one," McDonald told SEN radio from England on Wednesday.
"We've already had some discussions in Sydney initially about our plans for the summer, which include depth bowling and all those hypotheticals and 'what-ifs' that we always consider. Clearly, if we make a shift with Steve Smith, then someone else will need to step up to the top. We've seen Cameron Green be really successful at number four as well, so that adds layers to the decision-making.
"But nothing is firm and fixed at the moment."
Although Smith’s performances as an opener have been modest, Cameron Green’s notable innings of 174 not out against New Zealand at number four in the last series stands out as a significant achievement.
Regardless of Smith’s position, it seems certain that he will remain in the squad. His inclusion, along with Cameron Green, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh, appears assured.
The final decision on the lineup will be revealed soon.
"We've discussed it, and we still strongly believe in having the best six batters," McDonald added.
"We feel that the team that finished in New Zealand, if they get a clear run and are well-prepared, would be the best-placed players for the role, there's no doubt about that."
Australia will focus on their home Test series against India and may rest some Test players from the upcoming white-ball series against Pakistan to prepare for the Sheffield Shield.
The series against India starts in Perth on November 22, with subsequent Tests in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Coach Andrew McDonald said, "Australia would prioritise the series against India in the home summer and might rest Test players from the white-ball series against Pakistan that precedes it to allow them to play red-ball cricket in the Sheffield Shield."
This move is aimed at ensuring the Test squad is fully prepared for the important home series against India.
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