.Australian opener Usman Khawaja reckons terrific buddy Steve Smith desires to bat No. 4 for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy collection-- and has actually stated it the area in Australia's hitting order that are going to see 'Smudge', as well as the home edge, have the most effective odds of defeating heavyweights India. Talking With Fox Sports Australia today, Khawaja likewise supported Travis Head to companion him atop the purchase when the hit five-Test set which acquires underway in November.After final gaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2015, Australia have actually gone down 4 organized series due to the fact that-- including pair of on home soil in 2018/19 and 2020/21. As the countdown to this summer months's set begins, a lot dispute has actually centred around whether Johnson stays at the leading of the purchase, where he has been considering that Dave Warner retired in January, or moves back halfway order.BOXING: TSZYU V MURTAZALIEV|Tim Tszyu challenges versus unbeaten IBF super welterweight champ Bakhram Murtazaliev|SUNSHINE 20 OCT 11AM AEST|Order Currently along with Main Event on Kayo Sports > When detailing why he would rearrange Australia's batting line-up, Khawaja recaped a moment from the 1937 Ashes series-- when Donald Bradman once flipped the hitting purchase on a green leading, placed himself number seven, and after that went and also blew up 270. The opener's assistance of Head additionally happened merely hrs after the swashbuckling leftie went positively berko themself on the way to Australia getting a 28-run success in the opening T20 against England.Apart from blasting 59 range from just 23 rounds in Southampton, Crown additionally shattered a record-equalling 30 operates in one over.Squaring off versus England's Sam Curran, the South Australian hit three fours and also as many sixes to equal the best operates ever before by an Aussie batter in a T20I over-- signing up with Ricky Ponting (2005 ), Dan Religious (2021 ), and also Mitchell Wetland (2024 ). Steve Smith of Australia. Image by Kai Schwoerer/Getty ImagesSource: Getty ImagesThe hulking initiative was a well-timed one offered the titles encompassing precisely that ought to partner Khawaja atop an Australian hitting purchase aiming to retaliate what has been actually consecutive Examination set reductions to India on home soil.Following the retired life of Warner in January, 35-year-old Smith was actually raised along with his wonderful companion, yet averaged merely 28.50 in four Exams against the Wests Indies and also New Zealand.While Smith has actually lately suggested he is "certainly not fussed either way" relating to where he bats versus the Indians, Khawaja firmly insists 'Smudge' would certainly prefer a go back to number four this summer months." He'll simply possibly certainly never mention it," the opener chuckled recently." So I'll mention it for him. "Position is actually an extremely vital location ... (yet) I still assume we have the most effective Exam player of my era in the side, in Steve Smith, and his ideal spot has been number four." I feel like that's his best location." I seem like the very best balance for our group is actually (Marnus) Labuschagne three, Johnson 4." For me, the number one factor to consider is actually 'what is actually greatest for the group?'." What order ratings our company the best runs?" As well as if you examine the amount of runs we scored along with Davey Warner in the group as well as Smudge batting at four, our company racked up a great deal of runs" With Blemish opening, our company have actually still succeeded activities, however I don't think our experts have actually scored as lots of runs as our team might've." Usman Khawaja of Australia. Image by Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesSource: Getty ImagesKhawaja additionally pressured that when Johnson strolled to the furrow at number four, disorders were often much more satisfied to what he favored as a batsman." And also when traits reside in his favour," Khawaja said, "he's virtually easy". The opener likewise suggested Donald Bradman as proof of why, when you have some of the best Examination batsmen of your period, and also any period, in the selection, you bat them any place it fits all of them ideal. "If you understand your cricket past, there was a situation in the 1930s where Don Bradman, confronted with an eco-friendly leading, batted himself at variety seven," Khawaja ran through." Batted themself seven and also scored over 200."( Laughs) Imagine if he carried out that now?" But when you've obtained your greatest batsman, you wish to guard him." And in Australia, the hardest time to baseball bat, by far, is actually that 1st hour." New Kookaburra ball, brand-new opening, it is actually regularly the hardest time-- I uncommitted who you are actually." And do not get me incorrect, Steve Johnson are going to score operates as a position batsman." However will he rack up even more hitting number 4?" I reckon he will." Khawaja added his choice for opener would be actually Head." In the end of the time, it is actually a decision for the selectors," he said." However if you have me opening up, Labuschagne three, Johnson 4 ... I believe that Travis Mind might be greatest suited." He's undoubtedly been actually very successful opening the hitting in one-day cricket and also, simplifying, I 'd most likely lean in the direction of him." However again, it's certainly not my selection." It falls to the selectors as well as I presume they have been actually very good along with their processes over the final couple of years." Travis Scalp of Australia. Image through Andy Kearns/Getty ImagesSource: Getty ImagesAsked what, if just about anything, of Head's file innings against England would certainly rollover to the Exam arena, Khawaja mentioned: "The self-confidence transactions over." When you are actually observing the sphere effectively, scoring great deals of operates as well as not much is experiencing your head, it is actually a terrific location to become." And when you're in that place, your assurance transmissions over ... it certainly carries out". Previously today, Australian coach Andrew McDonald revealed conversations encompassing Smith's batting position for the upcoming Exam series stayed on-going-- with no decision but made.Asked about precisely where Johnson would bat, McDonald stated: "That is actually the question on everyone's lips, isn't it?" Whilst our team have actually got an eye to it, our team have not created any kind of firm selections around that." There is actually loads of opinion ... however behind-the-scenes, I will be existing if I claimed the conversation had not been happening." Clearly, if our company create a change along with Steve Johnson, at that point another person will certainly have to go to the best.".