“Steve Smith Trapped by Ex-India Keeper’s Question on Opening Against India: Australia’s BGT Hope”

By: Misbahul Islam:-

Former wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has disclosed Steve Smith’s strategy against India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia’s ambition to win back the trophy from India largely depends on Steve Smith, but Deep Dasgupta believes Rohit Sharma and his team would prefer to see the batting powerhouse continue as an opener. Smith, a highly successful middle-order batter, shifted to opening after David Warner’s retirement, facing the new ball in series against the West Indies at home and in New Zealand. However, this move hasn’t yielded the desired results, with Smith scoring 171 runs in eight innings, including a high score of 91 not out in Brisbane. In contrast, Smith has thrived in the middle order, accumulating nearly 6000 runs at the No.4 position.

Steve Smith has previously been a major challenge for India, although less so recently.

Dasgupta is sure that the Indian bowlers would welcome Smith’s presence in the five-Test series. Remembering a recent conversation with the ex-Australian captain, Dasgupta shared Smith’s batting intentions for the BGT, which Rohit and his bowlers would likely enjoy. When Australia last held the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Smith was instrumental, scoring 769 runs in four Tests. If India can dismiss Smith early, especially if he insists on opening, it could provide a significant advantage to the visitors.

Endorsed by 117M viewers, follow the HT YouTube channel for the latest updates on India, sports, and more!

“As an Indian, you would be pleased to see Steve Smith open. Seeing him bat at No. 4 or lower is perplexing, given his peak performance and years of success at that position. Opening is a completely different challenge. Anyone with cricket experience will tell you that batting in the middle order and opening in Test cricket are not the same.”