Christchurch: Steve Smith’s move up to opening was not a matter of universal consensus within the Australian team.

It was more a case that Smith lobbied so ardently for the role that captain Pat Cummins and the selectors were ultimately won over by how the move would refresh their leading batter and also allow Cameron Green to bat in his preferred number four slot.

Steve Smith walks off after his second innings exit in Wellington.Credit: Getty

Four matches in, Australia’s decision-makers are yet to reach a point of certainty about the move, in the sense that they feel a bigger sample size is required. But nine months between Tests, and those against the World Test Championship leaders India, will provide plenty of food for thought.

Back in January, the alternative scenario was to have Green opening alongside Usman Khawaja, while Smith stayed at four - a configuration that also had its supporters in and around the team.

Ultimately, Smith’s request was granted on the basis that he would not have the option of shifting back down after a few low scores. It was as an opener that Smith would spend the remainder of his Test career, however long that lasted. That assurance has until November to be tested.

Before this series, Smith had spoken of how he made the switch partly so he could put himself under pressure, feeling as though it was that sort of tension that helped him to play at his very best.

“I just feel when I put pressure on myself I just get a bit sharper in my movement. A bit more eccentric in my movements, my calling, it just gets me going a bit more. I try to find ways at stages to put more pressure on myself so I can get into that mindset.”

Smith’s movements have certainly been eccentric over four Tests against the West Indies and New Zealand, but with only one score of note in that time, the exaggeration does not appear to be helping him. And in terms of pressure, it is Smith’s top order teammates who are now feeling it as much as the 34-year-old himself.