In the One-Day International (ODI) series against India, Steve Smith will return to bat at no.3 position. The series will get underway from Tuesday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. With that Marnus Labuschagne, who is set to make his possible ODI debut will bat down the order.
According to a report, the productive batsman of the Australian team, Steve Smith will bat at his most preferred spot for the first time since 2018. Steve Smith had batted at No.4 position in the World Cup 2019.
The former captain of the Australian team will be tested by the intimidating bowling line-up of the Indian team. However, the ODI batsman will carry the burden of the visiting side’s batting on his shoulders and look to make use of conditions in India.
He has been in outstanding form ever since returning to the international circuit after facing a ban for the ball-tampering scandal. Australia has taken their game to the next level following the return of Steve Smith and David Warner last year.
The second-ranked ODI batsman has scored 3810 runs in ODIs with an average of 41.41. In this format, with a high score of 164, he has hit 23 half-centuries and eight centuries.
With that, Peter Handscomb, Ashton Turner, and Ashton Agar are fighting over three spots, depending upon whether Australia opts for an additional all-rounder or an extra batsman.
The Australian team will play 3 ODIs against the Indian team. The second match will take place in Rajkot and the final match will be held in the series concluder in Bengaluru on the 19th of January.
Australia’s five-month gap between ODIs ends on Tuesday when they take on India in Mumbai. After touring India, Australia is be slated to tour South Africa for a three-match Twenty20 International (T20) series, starting in Johannesburg from 21st February.
