Melbourne (Australia), : Australian opener Usman Khawaja is not sure whether Steven Smith being the Test opener for Baggy Greens is the best combination.
David Warner called time on his Test career after the conclusion of the three-match Test series against Pakistan last year. Smith was named Warner’s successor and he played alongside Usman Khawaja in the opening slot of their two-match Test series against New Zealand in February. In the four innings of the two matches, Smith scored only 51 runs, including a three-ball duck in the second innings of the first Test.
As Australia prepare to host India for a four-match Test series, which begins on November 22, the Baggy Greens’ batting combination will be a topic of discussion during the preparations.
Khawaja admitted that he enjoys playing alongside Smith, but he is not sure whether playing alongside the experienced star is the best opening combination for them.
“I get on well with Steve Smith. I’ve known him since I was 14. I like batting with him. Is this the best opening combination for Australia, I’m not sure. It’s is an interesting question. Four months until the first Test match “It would be silly not to have conversations about our top six, in terms of order,” Khawaja said at the Prime Cafe launch in Melbourne.
With Smith promoted to the top of the order, Cameron Green was brought into the playing XI to take up the role in the middle order. Travis Head is another option who could open alongside Khawaja, but he usually comes in at number five to provide batting depth.
Ahead of the series against India, Khawaja doesn’t expect to see many changes in his setup. He expects changes depending on the venue they play in, allowing them to field the best team against their opponents.
“I don’t expect the Australian team to change too much for the series. It’s been a similar team for the last few years, with the exception of Davey, who is out. The top six and the bowlers are settled. He It would be about knowing which selectors, coaches and captain are thinking about the best composition of the team. The conversations are about who is the best team for this venue, who is the best bowler,” Khawaja added.
Australia’s four-match Test series begins at Optus Stadium, Burswood, on November 22. The series will conclude at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground with the final match starting on December 26.
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