New Delhi, November 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Australia batter and team consultant Mike Hussey has called for a reshuffle of the country’s Test batting order ahead of the upcoming series against New Zealand, suggesting Travis Head should return to No. 5 while Steve Smith moves up to No. 3.
Hussey believes the proposed arrangement would give Australia a strong middle order, with Cameron Green retaining the No. 4 position, Josh Inglis batting at No. 6 and wicketkeeper Alex Carey at No. 7.
His suggestions come after selectors dropped Marnus Labuschagne from the Test side for the second time in 17 months. Selection chair George Bailey confirmed that Labuschagne would not retain his place at No. 3 for the opening Test against New Zealand, scheduled to begin in Perth on December 9.
Smith’s return is expected to be a key consideration when selectors finalise the squad following the next round of Sheffield Shield matches. He had missed Australia’s deciding Test in Cape Town because of a neck injury.
Speaking at Kayo’s summer of cricket launch in Sydney, Hussey said: “For me, I would like Travis Head to move back down to No. 5, push Steve Smith up to three, Cameron Green at four, have Josh Inglis at six, and Alex Carey at seven.”
He acknowledged that Smith had previously indicated a preference against batting at No. 3 but said the proposed combination looked particularly strong. Hussey also suggested the vacancy could create an opportunity for a new opener.
Hussey backed Carey at No. 7, despite the wicketkeeper having moved to No. 6 last summer. He said Carey was particularly effective when batting alongside the tailenders and could handle the challenge of facing the second new ball. The position would also provide him some additional recovery time after long periods behind the stumps.
On Labuschagne’s omission, Hussey insisted the batter’s international career was not over but cautioned that an immediate return might not be possible.
He advised Labuschagne to focus on playing for Queensland, enjoying his cricket and regaining the mental clarity that had helped him become a world-class performer. Hussey added that a break could help the batter refresh and rediscover his best form.
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