Former Australian National Cricket Team all-rounder Shane Watson has backed premiership prospect Steve Smith to open the innings in the upcoming game. Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He said the batter had to stay up and it also allowed Cameron Green to bat in the middle order.
One of the major topics revolving around Australian cricket is whether Steve Smith will open for the team in Test cricket. Ever since David Warner announced his retirement from the longest format of the game, the first batsman has taken the responsibility of opening.
Smith’s presence at the top allowed the Australian National Cricket Team to field both Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh. But for Smith personally, it hasn’t been productive so far while opening the batting for the team in the longest format of the game.
Smith struggled to live up to his standards. Since his opening day, the right-hander has scored just one half-century and failed to turn his start in other games.
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 around the corner, there has been extensive debate on whether it should be inaugurated or not. The five-match Test series between the teams will be held in November-December and January and it remains to be seen whether Smith will continue to open the batting for the team.
Steve Smith called to be able to go and open and I think he should stay there – Shane Watson
Shane Watson but Steve Smith wants him to open the innings and said he should stay there. He also praised Cameron Green for his performance against New Zealand, praising him for a brilliant job at No.4. Speaking on the sidelines of the International Masters League, he explained:
“Steve Smith made the call to go and open and I think he should stay there. Cameron Green came in and batted at No.4 and did a brilliant job. A hundred in New Zealand for something very special. He’s a perfect No.4 candidate going forward.”
He was a bit out of his technique – Shane Watson in Steve Smith’s key fight
Shane Watson also opined that Steve Smith’s drop 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 previous few test matches was because his technique was a little off. Just a little bit of a lag caused him to go off in ways I’ve never seen before.”
Bowlers like Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins are very solid once they get up and go – Shane Watson
Shane Watson then 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 and testable bowlers. He added:
“One thing they’ve shown throughout their careers, especially in the last four or five years, is that they’re incredibly solid. Bowlers like Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins are very solid once they get up and going. Bowlers with a tough body and Test consistency, which is what every fast bowler dreams of.”
