Mumbai, India

Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson thinks that Steve Smith should continue to open in Tests while Cameron Green must bat at number four, keeping the future in mind. The statement comes as Australia prepares to host India for upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar series next month in November.

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"Steve Smith made the call to be able to go and open, and I think he should stay there," said Watson on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai on Tuesday (Oct 8).

"Obviously the safety blanket for him would be moving back to No. 4, but I would love to see him continue to take on the opening spot because he's got the skill to be able to do it," he added.

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Smith has scored 171 runs as opener in Tests at an average of 28 with half of those runs coming in one innings against West Indies earlier this year.

As for Cam Green, Watson opined that moving forward he's perfect for the number four position in Tests. 

"Cameron Green came in and batted at No. 4 and did a brilliant job," Watson said. "His hundred that he got in New Zealand was something very special and he's the perfect No. 4 candidate now with the future, moving forward."

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Australia, however, are sweating over Green's fitness who returned home mid-way from the recent ODI series against England due to soreness in lower back.

Australia are hoping to turn around their fortunes in Tests against India having lost four consecutive series including two series at home as well. The Aussie last won a Test series against India in 2014.

The upcoming series, which consists of five Tests for the first time, starts November 22 in Perth.