Khawaja questions Smith's role as opener for Australia ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The revamped batting lineup for Australia now features their top six batters, with Cameron Green taking over Steve Smith's spot at No. 4. While Smith is open to batting in any position, Khawaja is adamant that the ex-captain should reclaim his place at No. 4.

"He'll just probably never say it. So I'll say it for him. Opening is a very important spot ... I still think we have the best Test player of my era in the side, in Steve Smith, and his best spot has been number four. I feel like that's his best spot. I feel like the best balance for our team is Labuschagne three, Smith four," Khawaja said as quoted by Fox Cricket.

Khawaja highlighted a noticeable decline in Australia's scores since the lineup change. In the eight innings following Warner's retirement, Australia has surpassed the 300-run mark only once.

"For me, the number one consideration is 'what's best for the team?'. What order scores us the most runs? And if you look at how many runs we scored with Davey Warner in the team and Smudge batting at four, we scored a lot of runs. With Smudge opening, we've still won games, but I don't think we've scored as many runs as we could've," Khawaja added.

Smith's individual performance as an opener has also been underwhelming, with just one fifty in eight innings and an average of 28.50, compared to his impressive average of 61.51 at No. 4. The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test at Perth.

The second Test, scheduled for December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval, will feature the exciting day-night format under the stadium's lights. After that, fans will turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which will be held from December 14 to 18.

The customary Boxing Day Test, set for December 26 to 30 at Melbourne's storied Melbourne Cricket Ground, will bring the series to its penultimate stage.

The fifth and final Test, taking place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, will serve as the series climax, promising a dramatic conclusion to an exciting contest.