The suspense over David Warner’s successor as Australia’s next Test opener is expected to be lifted when the selectors announce squad for the upcoming series against West Indies on Wednesday.
Warner retired from Test cricket having played his last game against Pakistan last week.
Plenty of names have been discussed from within and outside the current Test squad including Steve Smith, Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, Matthew Renshaw and Cameron Green.
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According to Australia’s The Herald Sun, Smith seems to be the frontrunner to link up with Usman Khawaja in the opening slots while Green could be back in the Test eleven at his preferred No. 4 spot.
However, the report further claims that the selectors may not reveal the batting order though when naming for the two-Test series starting January 17 in Adelaide.
Renshaw is expected to be the reserve batter meaning both Harris and Bancroft will have to wait for their chances.
Australia Test star Marnus Labuschagne has backed Smith to excel as a Test opener. “If Steve does get the nod from (captain) Pat (Cummins) and the selectors and the coaches, I’ve got no doubt he’ll do a good job and … Cameron Green, his record at No.4 for Western Australia is amazing,” Labuschagne said on Tuesday.
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke even claims Smith to become world’s top Test batter within a year should he play as an opener.
“If he (Smith) wants to open the batting and they (team management) give him the chance, he will be the number one Test opener within 12 months. He is that good a player. If he can bat at 3, he can bat anywhere. Technically he is good enough, he lets the ball go well, and he has great hand-eye coordination. Yes, he might knick the occasional one or might get lbw but tell me something that doesn’t,” Clarke said on ESPN’s Around the Wicket Podcast.
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