Smith ready to bat at any position for Australia

Adelaide, Feb 9 (IANS) Young Australian batsman Steven Smith said Monday he is willing to bat at any position for the team in the World Cup.

Questions have risen regarding the in-form batsman's ideal batting position, particularly with captain Michael Clarke batting at number four and all-rounder Shane Watson occupying the No.3 spot.

Smith is averaging 74.44 in 12 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) since Oct 1 last year, and his three career hundreds have all come in that period, all of them were scored at No.3 or No.4.

However, the return of Watson at No.3 takes Smith away from his preferred slot. But Smith was unperturbed as to his batting position.

“I’m not too bothered where I’m batting,” Smith was quoted as saying by news.com.au.

“I just have to keep doing what I’m doing and that’s scoring runs wherever I’m batting. I’m happy to bat wherever.”

Smith also said the return of Clarke from injury will lift the morale of the home side, widely tipped as one of the top contenders to win the tournament beginning Feb 14.

“Absolutely. He’s a terrific player and he’s great to have around the group. He's tactically very good as a captain and his batting is outstanding as well,” Smith said.

“It’s going to be great to have him back in the side. If he has a hit-out in the next couple of days, we’ll see how goes from there.”

Smith expressed his excitement at the prospect of playing a World Cup in front of the home fans.

“Not too many nerves. More excitement,” he said.

“I’m sure the fans are going to flock to our first game here on Saturday against England our old rivals.”

Australia thrashed India by 106 runs Sunday in a warm-up match here. They begin their Cup campaign against England Feb 14 in Melbourne.