Steve Smith dismisses reports of request to move down order, opening batting prospects

Steve Smith has dismissed reports he requested to be moved back into the middle order as Cricket Australia continue hunting for an opening partner for Usman Khawaja.

Smith was elevated to the top of the batting order following the retirement of David Warner as Cameron Green slotted into the No.4 role briefly at the end of last summer.

With Green a scratching for the upcoming summer, Smith has found himself at the centre of debate over where he will line up in the batting order.

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Australian teammates Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne have been vocal about their preference to see Smith return to his favoured role in the batting order.

Smith revealed he had discussed his batting preference with captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald but did not rule out returning to the opening role.

“I said, ‘I’m happy to bat wherever you’d like me to bat but four would be my ideal position’,” Smith said.

“I’m not really too fussed – I got asked where I’d prefer to bat and I said four.

“I saw a few things last week saying I requested to bat at four – that wasn’t the case.

“I’m happy to bat wherever (McDonald would) like me to bat.

“There’s a spot there now with Greeny out, and I think just conversations we had after New Zealand (tour), particularly with Marnus and Uzzy, they hated me up top to be honest. They wanted me behind them, that was a big part of it.”

Smith said the pair wished to have a greater sense of “security” behind them in the batting order.

“They call it security behind them, in a way,” he continued.

“Ask them about it, but they were pretty strong on me not batting (as opener).”

It is unclear what the exact batting order for the national team will be for the summer series against India, however focus has turned to Green’s replacement.

Star prospect Sam Konstas is pleading his case to earn an international call up after a remarkable start to the Sheffield Shield.

The 19-year-old’s success in the tournament, having scored back-to-back centuries, was one that has not gone unnoticed by the former Australian captain.

“He’s a bright prospect,” said Smith.

“You’ve got to remember he’s only 19 as well. He’s got a lot of time but what I’ve seen so far looks promising.”