Ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, both teams are grappling with batting concerns. India is worried about Virat Kohli’s recent poor form, while Australia is facing a dilemma over Steve Smith’s position in the batting order.
Kohli, the former India captain, has struggled for runs in recent months, averaging just 26.50 in his last 10 Test innings. His poor form has raised questions about his place in the team, especially with the emergence of young players like Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav.
Australia, on the other hand, is facing a different kind of batting dilemma. Steve Smith, one of the world’s best batsmen, has been struggling to find his form as an opener. In his last 10 Test innings as an opener, Smith has averaged just 27.80.
Smith’s struggles have led to calls for him to move back to his preferred position at number four. However, Australia’s selectors are reluctant to make a change, especially with David Warner retiring from Test cricket.
The return of Cameron Green from injury has further complicated Australia’s batting order. Green, who is a genuine all-rounder, has been in excellent form with the bat in recent months. He is likely to bat at number four, which would push Smith down to number five.
Smith has admitted that he has struggled as an opener. He said, “Marnus (Labuschagne) and Uzzie (Khawaja), they hated me up top, to be honest. They wanted me behind them. So that was a big part of it.”
Despite his struggles, Smith remains a key player for Australia. He has a phenomenal record in Test cricket, averaging over 60. However, if his poor form continues, Australia may be forced to make a change in their batting order.
India will be hoping to exploit Smith’s weakness against spin bowling. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have dismissed Smith eight times each in Test cricket. Ashwin has said that he has “the wood” over Smith, and he will be looking to continue his dominance over the Australian batsman.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of the most prestigious Test series in the world. India and Australia are two of the best teams in the world, and the series is always fiercely contested. The outcome of the series could hinge on the performances of Kohli and Smith.
