Speculation about Smith’s batting performance has swirled since Australia’s last Test series against New Zealand in March, when he scored 171 runs at 28.50 in eight innings.
“And I think Steve has expressed a desire to step back out of the opening position. Pat and Andrew have confirmed that he will be back down the order over the summer. So, yes, obviously we have the top four spot. There are gaps to fill and they need to be filled. “I have a part to play.”
Bailey did not rubber-stamp that Smith would be slotted at No. 4 for the first Test against India starting in Perth on November 22 and was careful to reiterate that Cummins and McDonald were the ones who decided on the batting order. He added that orders are not yet confirmed as there are five weeks left until the first ball is bowled.
Bailey hinted that Smith would be moved regardless of Green’s injury, but did not reveal what the top six would have been like had Green been fit to play.
“Some of those discussions have taken place and what that will look like,” he said. “But I think once you have the moving parts, a lot of those conversations become invalid.”
Is it time for an expert opener?
It seems very likely that the Australian selectors will select an opener to replace Green and return Smith to his preferred position. Bailey was asked whether additional bowling options were needed in the top six given Green’s absence and questions about Mitchell Marsh’s bowling ability. However, he was quick to note that Australia’s attack had previously gone without the all-rounder.
“It’s been like that in the past,” Bailey said. “You never know how each Test will go in terms of quick workload or how much of an impact Nathan Lyon will have over the summer. “We have certainly been preparing for Mitch Marsh and we will continue to do so. It’s been a part of his management and building for months, so there are teams that play in different ways and we have played in the past without versatile players.”
“He’s a mix, as are many others. I certainly don’t want to single him out. I think it’s both the consistency of Cam Bancroft over the years and the consistency of Marcus Harris over the years. I’ve seen Test cricket as well. So at this stage, “I don’t think there’s any need to put undue pressure on Sam.”
George Bailey’s comments on Sam Konstas’ potential Test call-up
“No, we still really like Matt’s ability to play,” Bailey said. “As far as Australia A selection is concerned, it is part of the process of trying to identify opportunities that may present themselves in the short term, but also making sure we are keeping an eye on development opportunities, as well as players who may become important in a variety of roles in the future. .
“So while we have the Australia A team, I think we have three players – Matt Renshaw, Pete Handscomb and Nic Maddinson – who will continue to be closely watched in Shield cricket.”
Bailey suggested that 19-year-old Konstas could slot himself into India’s opening slot if he continues his performance following his twin centuries in the opening Shield round.
“He’s a mix, like a lot of other people,” Bailey said. “I certainly don’t want to single him out. I think you’ve seen the consistency of Cam Bancroft over the years, the consistency of Marcus Harris over the years, they’ve both looked at Test cricket as well, so I don’t think there’s a need to put undue pressure on Sam at this stage. do.
“He’s got five games left in his first-class career. He’s made a good start and he certainly looks like he’s got a well-organized game, which we’re really looking forward to and looking forward to at A level. Stay tuned to see how it goes.”
Bailey also noted that Bancroft’s ill-timed pairing against Queensland in the opening round of the Shield season would not count against him.
“I talked to Cam after that game, and I kind of joked with him, if he wasn’t in such good shape, he would have played and missed that game,” Bailey said. “So that’s going to bode really well for the rest of the summer. There are a lot of batsmen who have managed to hit Michael Nezzer’s balls early on, so there’s no damage. He’s definitely got credit in the bank. His consistency is over. As I mentioned, “For many players, the last few years have been amazing and those one-off games won’t make any difference.”
Alex Malcolm is the editor-in-chief of ESPNcricinfo.
