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Khawaja Begs In Front Of Cricket Australia: 'Put Steve Smith At Number 4'

Steve Smith has been exceptional in the number 4 spot for AUS [X] Steve Smith has been exceptional in the number 4 spot for AUS [X]

Usman Khawaja, the Australian opener has urged Cricket Australia to move back Steve Smith to his preferred number 4 spot in Test cricket.

Smith has arguably enjoyed most of his success at the number 4 position, but David Warner's retirement tempted him to bat at the opening slot, a position where he has failed to deliver the goods.

Khawaja urges Smith to go back to Number 4 for betterment of Australia

Smith has had mixed fortunes while opening the batting. In 4 matches, the former Aussie skipper has only accumulated 171 runs, at an average of 28.50, with the best score of 91* against the West Indies.

With a high-profile series against India coming up, Khawaja has requested CA to move Smith back to his usual position, so that he can be at his devastating best.

“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 told Fox Cricket.

At the number 4 slot, Smith has aggregated 5966 runs, at an average of 61.51, including 19 centuries. In case Smith moves down, Australia will be tempted to promote Mitch Marsh at the top.