Former Australia opener Shane Watson backed Steve Smith to open the innings in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Series scheduled to start from November 22, with the first Test at Perth. Over the years, India have regained an upper hand over Australia in the series. India had won its previous four series against Australia in a row, including two wins in Australia in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 seasons.
India will look for a series win hat trick during their upcoming tour of Australia and if Men in Blue manages to do so then they will become the first Asian nation to register their consecutive Test series win on Australian soil.
"Steve Smith made the call to be able to go and open, and I think he should stay there. 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 at the sidelines of the launch of the International Masters League as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Smith has played as an opener for Australia after David Warner retired from the longest format of the game. he has had a mixed bag of performances at the opening slot. The 35-year-old has racked up 171 runs at an average of 28.50 in four Test appearances, including a magnificent 91 against the West Indies.
"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," the all-rounder added.
"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," the 43-year-old concluded.
Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Complete Schedule and Venue Details
1st Test: Fri, 22 Nov 2024 – Tue, 26 Nov 2024, Perth Stadium
Start Time: 8:00 AM (GMT: 2:30 AM | Local: 10:30 AM)
2nd Test: Fri, 6 Dec 2024 – Tue, 10 Dec 2024, Adelaide Oval
Start Time: 9:30 AM (GMT: 4:00 AM | Local: 2:30 PM)
3rd Test: Sat, 14 Dec 2024 – Wed, 18 Dec 2024, The Gabba, Brisbane
Start Time: 5:30 AM (GMT: 12:00 AM | Local: 10:00 AM)
4th Test: Thu, 26 Dec 2024 – Mon, 30 Dec 2024, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Start Time: 5:30 AM (GMT: 12:00 AM | Local: 11:00 AM)
5th Test: Fri, 3 Jan 2025 – Tue, 7 Jan 2025, Sydney Cricket Ground
Start Time: 5:30 AM (GMT: 12:00 AM | Local: 11:00 AM).
