Following David Warner's international retirement, the role of Steve Smith has become a focal point of discussion, with Australia still unsure whether Smith will continue with his new batting position as an opener or return to his older slot. Steve Smith, who usually bats in the middle order, was promoted to open the batting for Australia in Test matches post David Warner retirement. 

However, his performance in this new role has yielded mixed results, prompting questions about whether he should continue as an opener or return to his usual position at number four. Speaking on Smith’s batting position, Australian head coach Andrew McDonald has said that Australia are still mulling over his position. 

“That's the question on everyone's lips, isn't it? While we've got an eye to it, we haven't made any firm decisions around that one,” McDonald said on SEN.

“There’s plenty of speculation around that. But in the background, I'd be lying if I said the conversation wasn't happening. There are conversations around a lot of what ifs in terms of that Test summer that is to come.”

“We'll unveil everything, and we'll let ( NSW coach) Greg Shipperd know what our plans are and then we'll see what he does with his New South Wales side should Steve Smith play (Sheffield) Shield cricket.”

Steve Smith has registered fluctuating results in his new role in contrast to his previous batting position where he has recorded thriving outcomes. He has played four Tests as an opener and he has only scored one half-century. 

“What am I willing to share? Not a lot at this stage. All I can say is the conversation's happening.”

“Clearly, Patty Cummins as the captain is a big part of that, he’s rehabbing at the moment, he’s not over here (in Europe). We've already had some chats in Sydney initially around what we're thinking for the summer, and that goes right down to depth bowling and what it looks like, all those hypotheticals and what ifs that we always go through."

“Clearly, if we make a shift with Steve Smith, then someone else will have to go to the top. We've seen Cameron Green be really successful at No.4 as well. So that sort of adds layers to the decision-making. But nothing is firm and fixed on at the moment.”