Former Australia opener Aaron Finch has said that Steve Smith must be back to his earlier No. 4 position in the red-ball batting line-up. The veteran batter was promoted to the top of the order after David Warner’s retirement earlier this year as well. So far, Smith has not been able to do well in that position. He scored a steady fifty in the second Test against the West Indies at The Gabba but apart from that, there is not much he could do as well.

In a conversation with 7News, Aaron Finch said: “(Smith opening) did make a bit of sense when you’re trying to find the best spot for Cameron Green in the side when everybody’s been quite open about the fact that they want to push him in the side no matter what it takes. I can see where the move came from, Steve putting his hand up and saying, ‘You know what, maybe it is time for a new challenge,’ and he proved himself a good opener, no doubt about that. But, I mean, when you’ve averaged near on 60 over your career, I think it’s time to head back in that direction, in my opinion,” he added.

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However, Steve Smith has left the decision about his batting position to the team management, saying that he has no issue with either opening or playing in the middle order.

“All around the world, he’s probably proved himself to be an outstanding wicket-keeper and then the runs are really important, especially against a team like India. Their bowling attack is so strong that you can’t allow them to dictate terms to you because they’re so consistent. They’re so accurate. So the way that he plays and puts the pressure back on oppositions will be a really crucial role at No. 7ebecause there will be early wickets,” he concluded.