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Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald has revealed that it was a joint decision by him and Pat Cummins to move Steven Smith back to No. 4 in the Test batting line-up. However, he suggested that Cameron Green's injury changed the requirements of the side and they were forced to change Smith's position.
With the former Aussie captain moving to open the innings after David Warner's retirement, he didn't find the success many expected. In eight innings, Smith averaged 28.50 with a best of 91*. On the contrary, the right-hander averages 67.08 and 61.51 at No. 3 and 4, respectively.
Speaking on ABC Radio, McDonald said the following on the decision to move Smith to No. 4:
"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."
Green looked to have sealed the No.4 spot ahead of the Test series against India when he scored a match-winning 174 in Wellington earlier this year. However, the all-rounder will miss the entire summer due to a back injury.
"All things will be taken into consideration" - Andrew McDonald on Australia's squad selection
The 43-year-old has hinted that 19-year-old opener Sam Konstas could be given a go in the Test series this summer if he performs well in Australia A matches against India A. 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."
Australia A and India A will play two four-day games Down Under before the senior teams play a five-match Test series.
