Greg Blewett rejects Steve Smith move after Shane Watson's call on David Warner spot

Greg Blewett has shut down the prospect of Steve Smith moving to the top of the order when David Warner retires,after Shane Watson threw up the startling call on Thursday. Warner is playing his final Test match at the SCG against Pakistan, and Aussies selectors have a huge call to make as to who takes over moving forward.

Specialist openers Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw and Marcus Harris are all options, but all-rounder Cameron Green appears to be in the box seat. Green could potentially open, or move into the middle order with one of the other batters shuffling up.

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Mitch Marsh, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne have all been flagged as potential openers, but Smith's name didn't enter the equation until Thursday. Discussing the situation, former Test opener Watson said: “I like the idea of Steve Smith opening. The reason why is that No.3 is the perfect position for him.

"When he’s the man, he feels like he is the one who has to score the bulk of runs for his team, and when he was in his most prolific period, which was a long period of time, most of it was batting at No.3. When he was at No. 3 … he was scoring runs for fun, but when he comes in at No.4, often the work’s been done, and finding motivation is more challenging for him. Steve Smith opening the batting, he has got the technique, is the challenge he needs."

Greg Blewett shoots down Steve Smith moving to open

But according to another former opener, moving Smith to the top would be a huge mistake. "I hate the idea of Steven Smith opening the batting," Blewett said on Channel 7 on Friday. "I just don't get why you'd move someone away from No.4 averaging 58 over 100 Test matches - quite unbelievable. No, don't like that idea whatsoever.

"He could bat anywhere, Steven Smith. I'm not saying he couldn't do it. He'd perform anywhere in the batting order. In regards to the team and what they need, I just don't know why bring him away from his natural position in the team right now."

Blewett said he wouldn't mind seeing Green open the batting, but the former Test star endorsed Bancroft. "Cameron Green...I like the fact that he's still working hard on his game," he said. "Wouldn't be surprised at all if they went to Green, but that wouldn't be my selection. I would go for Cameron Bancroft who's been the standout opening batter in Shield cricket over the last two years. I feel like that needs to be rewarded."

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Australia coach Andrew McDonald said "all options would be considered" in regards to who would replace Warner, while captain Pat Cummins appeared to indicate they were leaning towards a non-specialist opener. "Uzzy (Usman Khawaja) wasn't a specialist (opener) until it was basically the only spot available in the team and he forced his way in," Cummins said before the SCG Test.

"Ideally, you've got someone who's had experience opening, but I don't think it's a blanket rule. I think every case is different.

"If someone's been picked in the side as an opener, but their record's not great, you feel probably feel more of a chance (to get their wicket), rather than if you're picking their best batter. I don't think it's a big deal. It's just a batting position, everyone chops and changes around a little bit."

Green has a significantly better Test and first-class record than Bancroft, Renshaw and Harris, but has only ever batted at No.6 in Tests. He lost his spot in the middle order during last year's Ashes series, with Marsh since cementing his place with a remarkable career resurgence.

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