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CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 10: Steve Smith of Australia bats during day three of the Second Test in the series between New Zealand and Australia at Hagley Oval on March 10, 2024 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

“He Ticks All Boxes”: Usman Khawaja Opens Up on Steve Smith Batting at Four

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy looming, Australian opener Usman Khawaja has weighed in on the key decision to move Steve Smith back to his iconic position at number four in the batting lineup.

In a compelling Border-Gavaskar Trophy preview on the Howie Games Podcast thanks to Kayo and Fox Cricket, Mark Howard was joined by David Warner, Adam Gilchrist, and current opener, Usman Khawaja.

When Khawaja was asked if Smith’s return to number four was a better fit for the Australian side.

His response was emphatic.

“Definitely, yes.”

“He has averaged 60-plus at number four. He’s done all his best work at number four.”

Khawaja elaborated on why Smith’s presence at four is a game-changer, painting a vivid picture of how intimidating it must be for opposing teams.

“When I look at a batting order and see Steve Smith at number four, it’s like, wow.”

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“If the openers get runs and smudge comes in and we’re 2 down for 150. Or two down for 200, if we bat amazingly. You know you’re like ‘oh crap, now we have Steve Smith to deal with’. With tired bowlers and an older ball.”

“And he is a great player of spin too, so it is always nice to have a player at four who is a very good player with spin. So you can’t bully them with that either.”

“He ticks all boxes.”

The discussion, featured on The Howie Games Podcast, dives into Australia’s tactical brilliance ahead of their showdown with India. Khawaja’s confidence in Smith reflects not just his statistics but his ability to adapt to any challenge—qualities crucial against a formidable Indian side.

For the full preview and analysis, tune into The Howie Games Podcast available now. And don’t miss a moment of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy action, available live on Kayo.