Former all-rounder Shane Watson has backed senior batter Steve Smith to bounce back to form and excel as an opener when India tours Australia for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Smith, who has been a mainstay in Australia’s middle order for most of his career, has averaged just 28.50 as an opener in 2024-a stark contrast to his overall career average of 56.97. In four Tests against the West Indies and New Zealand earlier this year, Smith managed just one half-century, prompting debate over his suitability for the role at the top of the order.
Despite this, Watson is confident in Smith’s ability to bounce back. “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,” Watson told the media during the launch of the International Masters League.
Watson pointed out that Smith’s recent dip in form was due to technical issues, rather than his capacity to perform as an opener. “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,” Watson added, expressing optimism that Smith will correct these issues.
Another key talking point ahead of the series is the workload management of Australia’s fast bowlers during a grueling five-Test series. Watson expressed confidence in the ability of Australia’s veteran pacers-Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and captain Pat Cummins-to handle the physical demands of the series.
“One thing that they’ve shown throughout their careers, especially in the last four or five years, is how incredibly resilient they are,” Watson said. “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.”
Watson acknowledged that managing these bowlers through the long series will be a challenge for both sides, but remains confident that Australia’s pace attack will rise to the occasion.
