Former Australian national cricket team all-rounder Shane Watson backed opener Steve Smith to open the innings in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He said that the batsman should remain at the top and that also allows Cameron Green to bat in the middle order.

One of the main issues revolving around Australian cricket is whether Steve Smith should open for the team in Test cricket or not. Since David Warner announced his retirement from the longest format of the game, the opening batsman has taken up the responsibility of opening.

Smith’s presence at the top has allowed the Australian national cricket team to play against Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh. But for Smith personally, it has not been the fruitful period so far in opening the batting for the team in the longest format of the game.

Smith has struggled to advance by his standards. Since opening, the right-hander has only managed a half-century and has failed to convert his starts in the other games.

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 just around the corner, there has been a massive debate on whether it should open or not. The five-match Test series between the teams will be played in November-December and January, and it remains to be seen whether Smith will continue to open the batting for the team or not.

Steve Smith made the call to be able to go and start, and I think he should stay there – Shane Watson

Shane Watson, however, wants Steve Smith to open the innings and claimed he should stay there. He also praised Cameron Green for doing a brilliant job at number 4, praising him for his great performance against New Zealand. Speaking on the sidelines of the International Masters League, he explained:

“Steve Smith made the decision to be able to go and open, and I think he should stay there. Cameron Green came in and batted at number 4 and did a brilliant job. The hundred he got in New Zealand for something very special. He is the number candidate 4 perfect now that the future moves forward.”

He was a little off with his technique: Shane Watson on Steve Smith’s struggle as an opener

Shane Watson also opined that Steve Smith’s recent dip in form was due to technical issues, rather than his ability to perform as an opener. He added:

“The reason he didn’t do so well in the last two test matches is that he was a little off with his technique. Just a little off, which led him to come out in ways I’d never seen before.” . before.”

Once bowlers like Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins get up and going they are very resilient – Shane Watson

Shane Watson further spoke about managing the workload of Australia’s fast bowlers. He said the pacers in Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and captain Pat Cummins are hard-bodied bowlers and fit for Test matches. He added:

“One thing they have shown throughout their careers, especially in the last four or five years, is how incredibly resilient they are. Once players like Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins get going, they are very resilient players. bowling a tough body and fit for Test matches, which is every fast bowler’s dream.”