Michael Clarke‘s massive call over Steve Smith's ability to open

Amid all the chatter over Steve Smith shifting to opener, Michael Clarke has made a massive call about his former teammate.

If Steve Smith opted to retire today, he already sits comfortably among the best batters Australia has produced.

But his former teammate Michael Clarke believes if Smith is shifted into Dave Warner’s opening role, the right-hander might take his game to a whole new level.

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Following Australia’s 3-0 series sweep of Pakistan, the biggest talking point in Australian cricket has been over who will replace Warner, who retired from Test cricket after more than 100 appearances atop the order.

Selectors have opted against shifting a specialist opener into the role, which is bad news for Cam Bancroft, Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw.

Michael Clarke has made a huge call about Steve Smith as a potential opener. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Although skipper Pat Cummins didn’t seem a huge fan of the idea when it was put to him, the fact Smith publicly declared his desire for the move means it quickly became a real possibility.

The Australian squad for a two-Test series with the West Indies was announced on Wednesday with Green and Matt Renshaw added to the 13-man list.

That leaves Smith and Green likely fighting it out for that opening role alongside Usman Khawaja, with Renshaw the next cab off the rank if the opportunity arises.

Clarke, who handed the captaincy to Smith back in 2015, has no doubts over whether Smith would succeed in the new role.

“I tell you now about Steve Smith; if he wants to open the batting and they give him the chance, he will be the No. 1 Test opener within 12 months,” Clarke said on ESPN cricket show, Around the Wicket.

“If you can bat at No. 3, you can bat anywhere in the order. Technically he is good enough, he lets the ball go well, he’s got a great eye, he’s got beautiful hands.

Clarke and Smith played alongside each other for five years before the former moved into the media. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

“He’s that good a player — and it might be that challenge that he is looking for.”

The thought of a rejuvenated Smith is an exciting prospect, as the batting junkie hasn’t consistently produced his best over the last couple of seasons.

Smith’s batting average, previously well over 60, has slipped to 58.01 and Clarke believes the 34-year-old could break one of cricket’s all-time records if he is out in the middle from ball one.

“If he opens the batting, he will be the best opener within 12 months,” Clarke added. ”And don’t be surprised if he breaks Brian Lara’s 400 (runs) record because he is that good.”

Lara batted at No. 3 for the West Indies when he set that incredible milestone against England back in 2004.

Having already played 105 Test matches for his country, Smith retains his fierce desire to score runs and often shows his disgust when he gets out.

Smith has been below his brilliant best in recent times. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

It let to Smith being labelled “petulant” when he was dismissed falling for a Pakistan trap at the SCG and took his time walking from the field.

Clarke feels that intensity would serve him well as an opener.

“He’d rather face every ball than give a few balls to somebody else,” Clarke said.

“He could open the batting there’s no doubt about it. He could adjust, he could find a way.

“If he wants to do it then I think they will allow him to do it.

“Listening to (captain) Patty Cummins’ quotes, I think it’s a simple swap.

“I think Cameron Green is going to come in to open the batting for David Warner, unless someone like Steve Smith wants to do it.”

The first Test against the West Indies gets underway in Adelaide on January 17.

Australian squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Matt Renshaw.