Lahore, Feb. 21 -- England captain Jos Buttler shed light on the tactical reason behind promoting young Jamie Smith to the number three spot and dropping seasoned star Joe Root to fourth in the batting order for their Champions Trophy campaign opener against arch-rival Australia in Lahore.

England caught the world by surprise by dropping its playing XI two days before their Champions Trophy opener on Saturday at the picturesque Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

After enduring a diabolical white-ball tour of India, England had to figure out their squad tactically. Among the most prominent tactical changes, Smith has been tasked to bat at number three for the first time in his international career.

"We just feel it's a nice position to give him...