.Australian opener Usman Khawaja reckons wonderful friend Steve Smith wants to bat No. 4 for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Prize collection-- and has actually proclaimed it the spot in Australia's batting order that will certainly find 'Smudge', and the home side, have the most effective odds of trumping top cats India. Speaking with Fox Athletics Australia today, Khawaja likewise backed Travis Scalp to partner him atop the purchase when the runaway success five-Test collection which gets underway in November.After last winning the Border-Gavaskar Prize in 2015, Australia have actually lost 4 organized collection because-- including pair of on home ground in 2018/19 as well as 2020/21. As the launch procedure to this summer's series starts, much dispute has actually centred around whether Smith remains at the leading of the order, where he has actually been due to the fact that Dave Warner retired in January, or returns halfway order.BOXING: TSZYU V MURTAZALIEV|Tim Tszyu takes on versus unbeaten IBF very welterweight champ Bakhram Murtazaliev|SUNSHINE twenty OCT 11AM AEST|Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports > When discussing why he will rearrange Australia's hitting selection, Khawaja recaped a minute coming from the 1937 Ashes collection-- when Sir Donald Bradman notoriously flipped the hitting order on an environment-friendly best, placed themself variety seven, and afterwards went as well as blew up 270. The opener's support of Head likewise came merely hrs after the swashbuckling leftie went positively berko themself on the way to Australia protecting a 28-run triumph in the position T20 versus England.Apart from blasting 59 runs from simply 23 balls in Southampton, Crown likewise pulverized a record-equalling 30 runs in one over.Squaring off versus England's Sam Curran, the South Australian reached 3 fours and also as many sixes to amount to the best runs ever before through an Aussie batter in a T20I over-- signing up with Ricky Ponting (2005 ), Dan Religious (2021 ), and also Mitchell Marsh (2024 ). Steve Smith of Australia. Photograph through Kai Schwoerer/Getty ImagesSource: Getty ImagesThe hulking initiative was a timely one given the headings neighboring precisely who need to partner Khawaja atop an Australian batting order wanting to retaliate what has actually been consecutive Exam collection losses to India on home soil.Following the retirement of Detector in January, 35-year-old Johnson was actually pushed up along with his fantastic companion, yet averaged merely 28.50 in 4 Examinations against the Wests Indies and also New Zealand.While Johnson has just recently suggested he is "not fussed regardless" relating to where he bats versus the Indians, Khawaja asserts 'Smudge' would certainly like a return to number four this summertime." He'll merely most likely never mention it," the opener giggled recently." So I'll state it for him. "Position is actually an incredibly vital spot ... (however) I still presume our experts possess the very best Exam gamer of my age in the edge, in Steve Johnson, and also his best area has been actually variety 4." I seem like that's his ideal place." I seem like the greatest equilibrium for our crew is (Marnus) Labuschagne 3, Smith four." For me, the primary consideration is 'what is actually greatest for the crew?'." What purchase credit ratings our team one of the most runs?" And if you take a look at the number of runs our experts scored along with Davey Warner in the staff as well as Blemish hitting at four, we racked up a great deal of runs" Along with Blemish opening, our team have actually still succeeded activities, however I don't presume we've scored as a lot of operates as we could've." Usman Khawaja of Australia. Photo through Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesSource: Getty ImagesKhawaja likewise emphasized that when Smith strolled to the crease at number 4, disorders were actually generally much more matched to what he chose as a batsman." And when factors remain in his favor," Khawaja stated, "he's almost unstoppable". The opener likewise pointed to Donald Bradman as evidence of why, when you have one of the greatest Examination batsmen of your period, and also any kind of age, in the line-up, you baseball bat them no matter where it satisfies them best. "If you know your cricket past, there was a circumstance in the 1930s where Don Bradman, faced with a green leading, batted themself at number 7," Khawaja ran through." Batted himself 7 and also scored over 200."( Giggles) Picture if he performed that now?" However when you have actually received your greatest batsman, you want to shield him." As well as in Australia, the hardest opportunity to baseball bat, by far, is that initial hr." New Kookaburra round, brand new gate, it's consistently the hardest opportunity-- I do not care that you are." And don't acquire me incorrect, Steve Smith will definitely score operates as a position batsman." However will he score much more batting amount four?" I reckon he will." Khawaja added his pick for opener would certainly be Head." At the end of the day, it is actually a decision for the selectors," he mentioned." But if you possess me opening up, Labuschagne 3, Johnson four ... I believe that Travis Head could be ideal fit." He is actually certainly been best-selling opening the hitting in one-day cricket as well as, breaking it down, I 'd probably bend in the direction of him." But once more, it's certainly not my selection." It depends on the selectors and also I presume they have been great along with their methods over the last number of years." Travis Scalp of Australia. Photograph by Andy Kearns/Getty ImagesSource: Getty ImagesAsked what, if just about anything, of Head's file innings against England would certainly carry over to the Examination stadium, Khawaja claimed: "The self-confidence transfers over." When you're finding the sphere effectively, scoring tons of runs and also not much is experiencing your head, it is actually an excellent location to become." And when you remain in that location, your peace of mind moves over ... it undoubtedly carries out". Earlier today, Australian coach Andrew McDonald exposed dialogues neighboring Smith's hitting placement for the upcoming Exam set stayed ongoing-- with no final decision however made.Asked concerning specifically where Smith would certainly bat, McDonald claimed: "That's the inquiry on every person's lips, isn't it?" Whilst our experts've acquired an eye to it, our team haven't created any agency choices around that." There is actually plenty of hunch ... however behind-the-scenes, I 'd be lying if I claimed the chat had not been taking place." Plainly, if our experts produce a change along with Steve Smith, then another person will certainly have to go to the best.".