Smith could bat at No.3 ahead of Green in the Ashes

Steve Smith could bat at No.3 in this summer’s Ashes, with Australian selectors considering a significant top-order reshuffle in which Cameron Green may move to No.4 and Marnus Labuschagne promoted to open against England.

Less than two years after an experiment to open with Smith backfired, Australia’s most dependable batsman is being eyed for a shift up one spot from No.4 to better balance the order.

Australian batsman Steve Smith. Credit: AP

While no formal decision has been made, according to sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of discussions, Smith is being discussed as a genuine No.3 option for the opening Ashes Test in Perth on November 21.

Smith, who has been back at No.4 since last year’s home series against India, has not batted at first drop in a Test for Australia since 2017 but has thrived in the past there, compiling eight centuries from 29 innings at an average of 67.07.

The 36-year-old remains in New York following his stint in the Hundred and will return to Australia next week.

He missed the Blues’ opening Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia but is set to feature in two first-class fixtures before the Ashes – against Queensland at the Gabba (October 28-31) and Victoria at the SCG (November 10-13).

Selectors will need to consult Smith about any move up the order. The vice-captain, who could lead the side in Pat Cummins’ absence, has long preferred No.4 but was willing to open during four Tests against the West Indies and New Zealand last year.

Green, who last batted at No.4 in a Test against New Zealand in early 2024, made scores of 19 and 24 for WA coming in at second drop in the Shield.

He was used at No.3 on Australia’s tour of the West Indies in June and July, posting scores of 3, 15, 26, 52, 46 and 42. While Cummins declared on the tour that Green could be Australia’s long-term No.3, influential figures close to the team believe Green is best suited to No.4.

Cameron Green bats for WA. Credit: Getty Images

Asked about batting at No.4 for Western Australia, Green said last week: “It’s where I think is best for the team. Nothing to read into. You’re happy to bat anywhere for Australia.”

Labuschagne boosted his hopes of a Test recall after scoring a fluent 160 against Tasmania at Allan Border Field.

The Queenslander, however, was omitted from Australia’s ODI squad to face India later this month – a move that will allow him to continue in the Shield and press his Ashes claims.

Labuschagne’s Queensland teammate Matt Renshaw, who made 128 opening the batting in the same match, has earned his first ODI squad call-up since 2022 and will be chasing a debut.

Labuschagne opened for Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June but was dropped for three Tests in the West Indies. With incumbent Test opener Sam Konstas making only four and 14 in Perth, Labuschagne’s experience and steadiness at the top could appeal to selectors, particularly given his career average of 46.

“It’s great to see,” said Josh Hazlewood at a press conference announcing Cricket Australia’s new partnership with Woolworths on Tuesday.

“Any time a batsman goes through a period like that, you always want to see him bounce back.

“He’s always working hard. He’s probably one of the hardest trainers in the group. Great to see him get runs.”

NSW Blues coach Greg Shipperd was less than impressed about the WACA pitch despite his side’s 74-run win, thanks to a four-wicket haul on the final day from Liam Hatcher.

Rising NSW cricketer Will Salzmann, 21, top-scored in both innings with 43 and 72 as the Blues were bowled out for 170 and 221. Konstas will get two more Shield games to push for national honours.

“[Australian selectors] are well aware of my thoughts around this particular wicket and just to be mindful of how tough it was out there,” Shipperd said.

Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc’s Ashes build-up begins later this month after both were named in the 15-man ODI squad to take on India.

Selectors have announced two squads – one for the three ODIs, starting October 19, and another for the first two T20s.

With Cummins sidelined by a back injury, Starc and Hazlewood return to the ODI set-up alongside Test regulars Alex Carey, Travis Head and Green.

“We’ve definitely had chats about fitting in a Shield game,” Hazlewood said. “I feel like it did well for me last year. It’s just about getting in those three or four spells in a day.”

Green has been left out of Australia’s T20 squad so he can continue Sheffield Shield duties for WA.

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Carey will miss the first match of the ODI series in Perth to play for South Australia in the second round of Shield against Queensland at Adelaide Oval.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis has been named in both squads after recovering from a calf injury.

Head selector George Bailey said in a statement: “We have named a squad for the ODI series and first two games of the T20 series as there will be some management through the back end of the series as individuals prepare for the summer through Sheffield Shield cricket.”

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