Steve Smith 'thinking about' opening in Border Gavaskar Trophy: Deep Dasgupta

Deep Dasgupta has revealed that Steve Smith is thinking about opening the batting in the Border Gavaskar Trophy against India. Smith has taken up the new role of opening in Tests after David Warner's retirement.

In Short

• Smith has scored 5966 runs from 67 matches at an average of 61.50 at No.4
• Dasgupta said that Indian fans would be happy to see Smith open
• Dasgupta said that seeing Smith open the batting is surprising for him

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has claimed that Steve Smith is thinking about opening in the Border Gavaskar Trophy against India, starting from November 22. Smith has been opening the batting for Australia since David Warner's retirement and has scored 171 runs in 8 innings so far.

The Aussie star made a name for himself at No.4, scoring 5966 runs from 67 matches at an average of 61.50. Speaking to talkSport, Dasgupta revealed that he bumped into Smith and asked him if he would be opening the batting against India. The former cricketer said that Smith was pondering over the idea, which he finds quite baffling.

Dasgupta said that Indian fans would be happy to see Smith opening as he has haunted their side coming in at the No.4 spot.

"I bumped into him recently and I asked him 'You opening? What's that about? And I did ask him 'Are you going to open against India as well?' And he said, 'yeah, I am thinking about it'. I said 'yeah, you should, why not?' Because it's quite baffling."

"If you're an Indian, you'd be happy to see Steve Smith opening. You don't want to see Steve Smith batting at 4 or down the order because it's baffling. Almost the peak of his career he's done so well over so many years batting at that number. Starting to open? It's a different ball game you know," said Dasgupta.

Smith opening is surprising

Dasgupta said that seeing Smith open the batting is surprising for him as it wasn't a case of trying to make the star batter fit in the side.

"I can understand that he's not scoring runs and you're trying to still find a place for him. That's the only spot available. Stuff like 'We can only fit you in there so why don't you try that position'. But that wasn't the case, was it? I don't know. I found it very surprising. I've heard other teams doing it but not Australia. There is a plan behind everything they have done the years,” said Dasgupta.

Smith has opened in franchise cricket and in T20Is for Australia.