With the next Ashes series just around the corner, talk about the current Australian cricket team has been heating up. Aside from maybe the man himself perhaps – Cameron Green’s batting at No. 3 could do wonders for Steve Smith. This morning’s conversation will zero in on that amazing potential. All-time at this position, Smith has been one of the best, achieving a phenomenal average of 67. He hasn’t hit third since 2017. This begs the question of what the dynamics of the currently much different Test cricket landscape would do to his ability to play that role.
As Australia heads into their Ashes campaign, the team must contend with issues caused by injuries and modern-day bowling strategy. Steve Smith, himself a former skipper who has served as Cummins’ vice captain, will take over in the absence of injured Cummins. His recent form goes a long way in determining where he should be hitting in the order. His batting track record across the various stages of a contest factors hugely into this judgment.
Historical Performance at No.3
Incredible batting ability demonstrated by Steve Smith’s average of 67 when batting at No.3 evidences just how good he’s been in this position before. He has not batted in the nine-spot since September 2017. It’s crucial to examine the extent to which his performance metrics have markedly shifted over the years. In the 2020s, Smith has come to the crease in the first 20 overs on 39 times. His remarkable run tally of 1,297 in Tests comes with an admirable average of 35.05 runs per dismissal. In comparison, he has scored 1,975 runs past the 20-over mark. That adulation might be justified, as he has a remarkable striking accuracy of 68.10 in the date span.
These statistics shown above show a stark contrast in his production depending on when he checks into the game. That’s the reality of Test cricket today. With a new-design Kookaburra ball and more wobble seam deliveries on the rise, Smith is up against troubles he didn’t have to fend off during his previous reign at No. 3.
“If I can even just play 10 overs and we get through that hardness of the ball it’s probably easier for the other guys to come in,” – Moeen Ali
This change in the game means that Smith’s chances of a successful return to the top order are outweighed by the costs. Today, his best outings have proven that he is most effective filling a game’s later innings. This is especially so, given his propensity to struggle in those early-game scenarios.
The Role of Cameron Green
Cameron Green would be an interesting contender, though, for a No.3 role. Having played just eight innings at this position, he brings a combination of power and speed that would perfectly pair with Smith’s left-handed swing. Many pundits and analysts argue that Green is the perfect example of the “false-three.” This role not only helps to stabilize the innings during the tough phases, it allows established players such as Smith to flourish.
Green’s experience in dealing with pressure and moving through the first few overs should make him a perfect fit for this position. His presence can make life easier for incoming batsmen. This benefits Smith, in particular, who will enjoy the luxury of returning to the crease once the main threat of the bowling attack has passed.
How Green performs this summer could be key. It’s what Australia obviously needed to do to add more firepower to their batting order to combat the stronger rivals. His partnership with Smith has the potential to be extremely powerful. Combined, they threaten to create every run-scoring opportunity possible while minimizing the risk of cheap early-game outs.
The Competition for Batting Spots
The competition for spots in Australia’s batting order is red hot. With players like Marnus Labuschagne doing their bid and making compelling cases for their selection. Labuschagne has been on fire lately. He scored four of his five centuries just in October, and would be a prime candidate for the first XI. With this wealth of talent competing for a handful of spots, selectors will have some hard calls to make before the Ashes series.
Labuschagne’s emergence poses dilemmas over Australian batting order. How do you set it up to build a platform and score runs on a good English bowling attack. Selectors are watching these dynamics with intent. So by moving Green into the No.3 spot, they not only would have a new wrinkle that better leverages both Green and Smith’s strengths,
“If I come off once in four knocks, if I do play the next one, and chip in the other ones it’ll be a decent job done.” – Moeen Ali
Australia has been warned to prepare for a tough series. It’s very important to strike a right mixture of seasoned players and up-and-coming talent. The alignment of Green and Smith at crucial points in the innings may offer a solution that enhances overall team performance.
