Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has emphasised the importance of Steve Smith’s return to the No. 4 batting position after the latter was moved back to his preferred No.4 batting position for the India series (BGT). Marnus believed that this move is appropriate given Smith’s historical success in that role. Moreover, this move was prompted by Cameron Green’s unavailability as he has been ruled out of the summer.

"One of the best players for Australia batting in the position he has had the most success in is a pretty simple fix. Cameron Green is unavailable for the summer. There is no one batting at No. 4 as we currently stand in our team. Why not have the person who has done it best for Australia batting in that position?,” Labuschagne said while speaking to the reporters, as quoted by Perth Now.

“It just makes sense. People want to know if there is something more [to it], but that is the reality. I think it is his ability to read match scenarios and adapt his game to whatever the game needs.”

The high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy will get underway next month as it will have five games in this edition.