Why is Steve Smith Not Batting at No. 4 in AUS vs ENG 1st Ashes Test?

The biggest rivalry in international cricket is unfolding at the moment with the Ashes Test Series live in Perth. The Ashes 2025-26 Test series has begun, and has started with high intensity, major team changes, and significant expectations from both sides. Australia entered the contest with confidence and injuries in the bowling unit, which forced some adjustments to their playing XI, while England arrived to correct their previous struggles in Australian conditions.

The opening AUS vs ENG 1st Ashes Test has already shown signs of a competitive and hard-fought series. England won the toss and chose to bat first, but Australia’s pace attack kept them under control. While conditions are favouring the bowlers, Australia captain Steve Smith 1st Ashes Test batting spot became the headlines. Instead of batting at No. 4, Smith came in to bat at No. 3 in this innings.

Why is Steve Smith Not Batting at No. 4?

The opening day of the Ashes 2025-26 at Perth was full of chaos, high pressure and filled with surprises and batting positions. One that surprised everyone was Steve Smith batting position in this innings. It can be attributed that Smith came in at number three because of Usman Khawaja, who failed to spend enough time on the field during the latter part of England's innings and later had to compensate his batting spot.
As per the ICC regulations, a player who remains absent for too long cannot bat until the same amount of time has passed in his team’s innings. As a result, Khawaja was not eligible to open the batting. When debutant Jake Weatherald fell to Jofra Archer's yorker, Khawaja was still not eligible to enter. This situation pushed Marnus Labuschagne up the order as a temporary opener with Steve Smith coming in next.

Usman Khawaja, who is among the best openers in the world, later came in to bat at No. 4 after he was deemed eligible to bat. However, he couldn't contribute much and was dismissed by Brydon Carse for just 2 runs.

AUS vs ENG 1st Test Summary After Day 1

Batting first, England were bowled out for 172 with Mitchell Starc's sensational spell of 7 wickets. Brendan Doggett removed Harry Brook and Jamie Smith, adding more to Australia’s grip in his first match. But the momentum of the game shifted drastically once Australia came out to bat.

England's fast bowlers, led by Jofra Archer, were right on the money and kept on picking up wickets at regular intervals. Archer proved why he is still among the best bowlers in the world and made full use of pace-friendly conditions in Perth. Australia were 123-9 at stumps on Day 1. With 19 wickets falling on the first day, this series has got off to an exciting start.