Ian Chappell says Steve Smith has all but told him he will bat at No.4 in the first Test against New Zealand, a move the ex-skipper describes as "ridiculous".
Chappell also believes Cameron Bancroft will make his Test debut as opener in the Gabba Test starting on November 5, but is not convinced the Western Australian rising star has earned it.
Chappell said he knew where Smith would bat in a new look line-up after the post-Ashes Test retirements of ex-skipper Michael Clarke, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson and Brad Haddin - and he wasn't happy.
"After the conversation I had with him the other day I suspect he will bat at four which I think will be a mistake," he told AAP.
"It's ridiculous. He's playing well. Why move?
"Why put a lesser player ahead of him?
"I didn't want lesser players batting ahead of me unless they were openers."
Smith stroked a masterful 143 batting at No.3 in his last Test - Australia's innings and 46 run fifth Ashes Test win in August.
He averages 71.90 after seven Tests at first drop.
But his average is 80.00 at No.4 (four Tests).
Smith had conceded after taking over the captaincy from Clarke that he may have to drop down to four to provide balance to the inexperienced batting line-up against New Zealand.
Bancroft, Shaun Marsh and Queensland pair Usman Khawaja and Joe Burns will receive a final audition for two Test vacancies in this weekend's Cricket Australia XI two-day clash with New Zealand in Canberra.
Chappell said 22-year-old Bancroft appeared to have the inside running to partner opener David Warner, returning from a broken thumb.
But Chappell says the jury is still out despite Bancroft thrashing 335 runs at an average of 55.83 in this month's domestic one-day tournament.
"Looks like Bancroft will get the first crack at it," Chappell said.
"I am not convinced yet. I saw him against Mitchell Starc (in a one-day match) the other day and he struggled.
"Mind you everyone is struggling against Starc these days.
"But I need some convincing yet."
Marsh, Burns and Khawaja are in the mix for Test No.3 spot.
Chappell said no matter the line-up, a New Zealand attack spearheaded by Trent Boult and Tim Southee would fancy their chances of inspiring their first Test series win in Australia in 30 years.
"That batting line-up will keep New Zealand interested because they must feel like they must have a chance against them," he said.
"But in the end I think it will be like what great Windies fast bowler Andy Roberts used to say: 'whatever they bowl us out for we will bowl them out for less'."
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