Smith: I will bat at number four

Australia

Australia captain Steve Smith has confirmed that he will move down one spot down to number four in the batting order in Test cricket, saying that he wants an even split between youth and experience.

Smith, who only made the move to up to number three on the tour of West Indies in May, feels it would be better if he and opener David Warner are spread out in the batting line up.

Joe Burns (six Tests) and Usman Khawaja (nine Tests) are set to bat at the top of the order in the upcoming home three-match Test series against New Zealand.

The Aussies are still searching for a permanent replacement at number three since Ricky Ponting retired in 2012.

Smith told the Daily Telegraph: "I think breaking the more experienced players up a little bit in the order [is the right thing to do].

"If there's a run of wickets hopefully I can stop it. I think a lot of the players that are coming through at the moment are top-order players.

"It's just the way I see it at the moment. Breaking it up between Davey (Warner) and myself and hopefully the guys at the top and number three do well and then I can just come in and get some runs on the board as well."

Australia's first Test against the Black Caps takes place in Brisbane, starting on 5 November.

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