Usman Khawaja’s plea: Bring back Steve Smith at No. 4

Australia's Usman Khawaja, right, celebrates with teammate Steve Smith after making 100 runs against South Africa during the second day of their cricket test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Australian opener Usman Khawaja opinionated that the side’s talisman Steve Smith should bat at number four where he averages 61.51. Smith has played many gritty and memorable batting innings for the side coming in the middle-order. However, post David Warner’s retirement early in 2024 the 35-year-old volunteered to open the batting.

“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,” Khawaja said speaking on Fox Cricket.

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