Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald has shared that it was a joint decision by him and Pat Cummins to move Steven Smith back to his ideal No. 4 position in the Test batting line-up. However, he also suggested that Cameron Green’s injury changed the requirements of the team and they were forced to change Smith’s position as well.

Speaking on ABC Radio, McDonald said: “That falls to Patty [Cummins] and myself and around making that final decision. We just felt like as a collective, as in the leadership group, it was best for the team for him to make that shift away from opening. Clearly, we felt at the stage last year that it was the best for the team for him to open.”

“It allowed us to get Cameron (Green) into that No. 4 slot. As time unfolds, you map out what the future looks like, and we’ve got different challenges this summer. That was a collective decision. Ultimately, that’s one that Steve doesn’t make,” he again stated.

The veteran has hinted that 19-year-old opener Sam Konstas could get a chance in the Test series this summer if he performs well in Australia A matches against India A as well.

He stated, “The work that Sam Konstas did in the first Shield game… has given him an opportunity within the Australia A set-up and to go about his business as well. We’ve got a bit of an eye to the future in some of the (Australia A) selections, and a bit of an eye to here and now. It’s not a bat-off, but all things will be taken into consideration around the final decision that we make.”