Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has put his weight behind Steve Smith to open the innings in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against India. After David Warner’s retirement, Smith has opened the innings along with Usman Khawaja. Smith has scored 171 runs in four Test matches at an average of 28.50 while playing against the West Indies and New Zealand.

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 backed all-rounder Cameron Green to deliver the goods while batting at number four.

Speaking at the launch of international masters league in Mumbai, Shane Watson said, “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 feels Smith was not at his absolute best with his technique while opening the innings against the West Indies and New Zealand.

“The reason why he (Smith) 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.”

On the other hand, Watson backed the pace trio of Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins to deliver for the home team against India.

“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,” said Watson.

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