Mike Hussey Names Batter: Smith to No.3 for Australia
Australian cricket great Mike Hussey wants Steve Smith to bat at No.3 against New Zealand, with Travis Head moving back down the order from opener. Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped, and the opening slot could go to Sam Konstas or Kurtis Patterson.
Australian cricket great Mike Hussey says Steve Smith should move up to No.3 in the Test side for the New Zealand series, with Travis Head shifting back down from opener. In effect, Mike Hussey names batter Smith as the answer to the gap left by Marnus Labuschagne.
Labuschagne has been axed from the Test XI ahead of the series. Debate has since erupted over who should bat first drop.
Hussey does not want a debutant there. He would rather change the order around Smith.
Hussey's preferred middle order
Hussey wants Smith, Cameron Green and Head to make up the middle order. "That's the way I'd personally go, I feel like that's a really strong middle order in particular," he said at Kayo Cricket's launch event.
He accepts the plan raises questions. "We've been told Steve Smith would prefer not to bat at No.3," Hussey said. "But it was up to me, that order looks good to me and I think it's an opportunity for an opener to come in."
Head moved from No.5 to the top of the order in the Ashes after Usman Khawaja retired. The switch has helped Australia. Head has scored four centuries in 10 Test matches.
Many still feel his best position is lower down, where he can counterattack against the older ball. Hussey agrees.
Opening candidates struggle
If Head drops back, Sam Konstas and Kurtis Patterson could be considered for the opening role. Neither helped his case in the latest Sheffield Shield outing.
Konstas was out charging down the wicket against South Africa for 24. Patterson was out for a duck.
Cooper Connelly, described as a talented star, also returned to the XI for the final Test in Cape Town. He will be hoping to keep his place for the New Zealand series.
McDonald keeps Head at the top
Not everyone is ready to move Head. Australia coach Andrew McDonald said last month that Head was the right man to open the batting.
"I don't think anyone's opening career has started better than that," McDonald said. "India (in January) is an obvious fit for him to open."
McDonald said the real discussion centers on the four Test matches in Australia against New Zealand. "Where is he the best fit there?" he asked.
"We'll continue to have those conversations," McDonald said. "But as it sits right now, I'm very comfortable with him opening."
