Smith's recent form as an opener has been mixed
With India’s upcoming tour of Australia next month, questions over Australia's Test opening partnership are heating up. Who will open for Australia? Should Steven Smith continue as an opener or move back to his preferred No. 4 position? Former Australian allrounder Shane Watson has thrown his support behind Smith staying at the top of the order.
"Steve Smith made the call to be able to go and open, and I think he should stay there. Obviously the safety blanket for him would be moving back to No. 4, but I would love to see him continue to take on the opening spot because he's got the skill to be able to do it," Watson said.
Smith's promotion to opener became a hot topic after David Warner's retirement, but Watson’s initial preference had been for Cameron Green to step into the role. However, Green’s recent performances, especially his unbeaten 174 against New Zealand, have convinced Watson that Green is now better suited to the middle order.
"Cameron Green came in and batted at No. 4 and did a brilliant job. His hundred that he got in New Zealand was something very special and he's the perfect No. 4 candidate now with the future, moving forward," Watson said.
Australia’s dilemma may grow further, as Green’s availability for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains uncertain. The 25-year-old allrounder returned home early from the UK due to back soreness, a concern given his history of stress fractures. Cricket Australia is carefully assessing Green's condition, with an update expected soon.
Moreover, Smith's recent form as an opener has been mixed, managing just 171 runs in four Tests at an average of 28.50, though more than half of those runs came in a single innings against West Indies. Watson attributes Smith’s struggles to minor technical issues, rather than his position in the lineup.
"I believe the reason why he didn't do so well over the previous couple of Test matches is just [that] he was a little bit off with his technique. You see [saw] him getting out a couple of ways which I've never really seen him get out before.
"I know he would've had time just to go away, make some little technical adjustments, and if he opens and he makes those little adjustments, he can be incredibly successful as an opening batter knowing the incredible skill that he's got," Watson concluded.