Shane Watson has recommended promoting Steve Smith to the role of the new opener in Test matches, replacing David Warner in the Australian team.
Warner is set to end his Test career after the ongoing SCG Test against Pakistan. Australia is currently exploring options for Warner's replacement, with players such as Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Matt Renshaw emerging as top contenders.
Warner has supported Harris, and Cameron Green, Watson's favoured choice for the position, is also being considered. During an interview with Fox Sports, the ex-all-rounder has put forward the idea of utilising Smith in that role, citing Smith's success at No.3 as the rationale behind his suggestion.
"I like, knowing the person, the idea of Steve Smith opening," said Watson.
"The reason why is that No. 3 is the perfect position for him. When he's the man, he feels like he is the one who has to score the bulk of runs for his team, and when he was in his most prolific period, which was a long period of time, most of it was batting at No. 3.
"When he was at No. 3 … he was scoring runs for fun, but when he comes in at No. 4, often the work's been done, and finding motivation is more challenging for him.
Opening the batting is the challenge Steve Smith needs: Shane Watson
Watson additionally asserted that opening the batting could provide the challenge needed at this stage in Smith's career. The former all-rounder believes that the Australian star batter might opt to expedite the conclusion of his career if he doesn't face a sufficient challenge.
"Steve Smith opening the batting, he has got the technique, is the challenge he needs."
"My concern is that if Steve Smith isn't given a challenge, he might shut things down earlier than he needs," said Watson.
Although Smith has taken up the opening role for Australia in T20Is, his highest batting position in Tests and ODIs has been No.3. Interestingly, the star batter maintains an average of over 67 when batting at No.3 in the longest format of the game.
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