Shane Watson downplays Steve Smith’s failure as opener ahead of 2024-25 BGT, backs batter to shine against India

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has put his weight behind Steve Smith to shine in the Border-Gavaskar series against India. After David Warner’s retirement, Smith was asked to open the innings with Usman Khawaja. Smith scored 171 runs in four Test matches at an average of 28.50 while playing against the West Indies and New Zealand and thus could not perform as per his lofty standards.

Meanwhile, Smith has a fantastic record while batting at number four, scoring 5966 runs in 67 Test matches with an impressive average of 61.50, including 19 centuries.

Watson believes Smith was a little off with his technique when he was opening the innings but said the right-hander will be hungry to prove his mettle.

Watson said on the Willow Talk Podcast, “Steve wanted to open. He was super keen to take up a new challenge. But one thing with that opportunity he had was he wasn’t actually batting at his best at that time. So he got an opportunity to open and Steve Smith at his very best would have made the most out of it because he just loves scoring runs whether it is opening or at No. 4.”

“You could see a few times he got out when he was opening — his game and his technique was a little bit off,” he added.

Smith has a fantastic record against India as he has scored 2042 runs in 19 Test matches with the help of nine centuries.

On the other hand, Smith returned with scores of 44 and 35 in the two ODIs against Pakistan and Watson noted that the batter looked at his best.

“In the one-day series (against Pakistan), in one of the innings at the MCG — wow, it looked like the very best of him. He had so much time and had all the shots. I’m confident that Smith will bring that version of him into this summer and whether he bats at No. 4 or opening, he will score runs.”

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.