He was deployed at No.4 during Australia’s 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka in July. The ace batter earlier assumed the No.3 position and was usually tasked with the anchor role where he had to rebuild the innings.
The New South Wales-born batter struggled in the format before the Sri Lanka series. He scored only 69 runs in four innings in Australia’s T20 World Cup winning campaign in 2021.
Believing that he can flourish in the new role given by the management, he told reporters ahead of the second ODI against Zimbabwe:
He added:
Smith showed what he is capable of with the new role after scoring a sublime 37 off 27 deliveries in the third T20I at the Pallekele International Stadium. He finished the innings alongside the likes of Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade.
“If I want to smack someone for six first ball, then I’m able to do that freely” - Steve Smith
Smith will be hoping for more chances in the middle order to get accustomed to the role ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup. Expectations will be high when defending champions Australia take the field, with the tournament taking place Down Under.
Shedding more light onto his new role in the batting order, Smith said:
Following the home series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand, the Aaron Finch-led side are slated to tour India for a short T20I series. They will also host West Indies and England ahead of the World Cup.
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