IND v AUS 2020: Smith's promotion to No.3 for India tour leaves Labuschagne uncertain

Australia is contemplating its middle-order options for the ODI series in India.

Marnus Labuschagne | GettyMarnus Labuschagne's place in the playing XI for the three-match ODI series in India suddenly became uncertain when assistant coach Andre McDonald said that team management is thinking of promoting Steve Smith to No.3 once again, starting with the first game in Mumbai on January 14.

See Also: In-form Marnus Labuschagne wary of "tough" India challenge 

Smith batted a position lower during Australia's World Cup campaign in UK but with Usman Khawaja, Glenn Maxwell no longer in the mix, it seems the visitors want to give greater responsibility to its top-order and protect the middle-order. 

"There is a fair chance Steve Smith will bat No.3," McDonald told AAP. "The top three fall into Warner, Finch and Smith."

"And then the conversations start about how we will go through the middle and what balance team we want to play."

Labuschagne will now be in a four-way battle with Peter Handscomb, Ashton Turner and Ashton Agar to fill the next three spots depending on the combination, with wicketkeeper Alex Carey to go at No.7. 

"We've got Marnus who can bowl, we've got D'Arcy Short was can also bowl. And Ashton Turner also can give us some overs as well," McDonald said.

"The first selection is always the hardest, particularly in a three-match series. It's a short series. The batters you pick first up you would be hoping they can get through the three games."

Labuschagne was picked for the ability to handle spin as shown in his relatively short but successful Test career so far. But the first preference could well be given to Handscomb who showed excellent temperament and skill versus all kinds of bowling during the last trip. 

Turner is Australia's designated power-hitter for the tour while Agar likely the first-choice all-rounder. 

(Inputs from AAP)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 11 Jan, 2020

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