Nic maddison

New Delhi: Australia batter Steve Smith said that Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne "hated" him at the top order and wanted him to return back to his original batting position - No. 4 but he is happy to bat wherever the team wants him to.

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed last week that he and captain Pat Cummins have decided to shift Smith back to No. 4 batting spot in Test cricket following a brief stint at the opening role.

Smith stated that he was asked by McDonald to tell his preferred batting position to which he replied 'four' but he never requested the management to put him back in the middle order.