Australia coach Andrew McDonald has expressed confidence that the top six batsmen from the previous Test season will likely retain their spots for the upcoming five-match series against India, though their order in the lineup may change.
Steve Smith, who shifted to the opening role after David Warner's Test retirement last season, may not continue in that position, according to McDonald. "We’ve discussed it, but no firm decisions have been made," McDonald told SEN radio on Wednesday. "We've had initial discussions in Sydney about plans for the summer, covering everything from batting positions to our bowling depth and contingencies."
McDonald emphasised that if Smith does not open, another player will need to step into the role. He also pointed to Cameron Green's impressive performance at number four, where he scored an unbeaten 174 against New Zealand, complicating the team selection process. "Nothing is set in stone yet," he said.
While Smith’s stint as an opener has been mixed, McDonald suggested that the core top six—Smith, Green, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh—are likely to stay in the lineup.
"We're still committed to choosing the best six batters," McDonald added. "If they’re well-prepared and given a clean run, we believe they’re the best to fill those positions."
McDonald also mentioned the possibility of resting some Test players from the white-ball series against Pakistan, allowing them to focus on red-ball cricket in the Sheffield Shield before the India Tests.
The much-anticipated Test series against India begins in Perth on November 22, followed by matches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.