Steve Smith backed to open in BGT 2024-25 as Shane Watson reveals reason for past struggles

Former Australian National Cricket Team all-rounder Shane Watson backed premier batter Steve Smith to open the innings in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He said that the batter should stay at the top and it also allows Cameron Green to bat in the middle order.

One of the major topics revolving around Australian cricket is whether Steve Smith should open for the team in Test cricket or not. Ever since David Warner announced his retirement from the longest format of the game, the premier batter took the responsibility of opening.

The presence of Smith at the top has allowed Australia National Cricket Team to play both Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh. But for Smith personally, it hasn't been the the fruitful stint so far while opening the batting for the team in the longest format of the game.

Smith has struggled to get going as per his standards. Ever since he opened, the right-hander has slammed just one half-century and has not been able to convert his starts in the other games.

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 around the corner, there has been massive debate about whether he 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 if Smith will continue opening the batting for the team or not.

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

Shane Watson, however, wants Steve Smith to open the innings and stated that he should stay there. He also lauded Cameron Green for doing a brilliant job at No.4, praising him for his ton against New Zealand. Speaking on the sidelines of the International Masters League, he explained:

"Steve Smith made the call to be able 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. The hundred that he got in New Zealand for something very special. He's the perfect No. 4 candidate now with the future moving forward."

He was a little bit off with his technique - Shane Watson on Steve Smith's struggle as opener

Shane Watson was also of the opinion that Steve Smith's recent dip in form was due to technical issues, rather than his capacity to perform as an opener. He added:

"The reason why he didn't do so well over the previous couple of Test matches is that he was a little bit off with his technique. Just a little bit off, which led to him getting out in ways I've never really seen before."

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

Shane Watson further talked about the workload management of Australia's fast bowlers. He said that pacers in Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and captain Pat Cummins are hard-bodied and Test-match-fit bowlers. He added:

"One thing that they've shown throughout their careers, especially in the last four or five years, is how incredibly resilient they are,. Once bowlers like Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins get up and going, they are very resilient. They are hard-bodied and Test-match-fit bowlers, which is every fast bowler's dream."