After the retirement of David Warner from the test, there is a lot of discussion around who could be the best replacement for Warner to open for Australia in tests. According to media reports Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh are strong contenders to be moved up the order. In a media talk the same question was asked from Australian Skipper Pat Cummins and he responded as “Obviously Marnus Labuschagne, Smith, Head and Mitchell Marsh have been pretty impressive at Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6, so first instinct isn’t probably to disrupt that”.
Steve Smith, the former captain and one the great himself showed willingness to open the batting telling ABC Grandstand that he was pretty keen to move up the order but Cummins isn’t convinced. As Cummins talking about Smith said “I’m pretty happy with Smith’s output at No. 4”.
Australia Selector will meet this week to announce squad for 1st test against West Indies and also to choose Warner’s replacement. Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw are options in front of them as all these 3 players have opened for Australia previously. Travis Head could have been a very suitable option to open as he brings attacking variety up front with the new ball but he himself denied this role.
One option could be Cameron Green to bring him into the squad as an allrounder and place him at top of the order, the same as Australia used to manage Shane Watson.
Pat Cummins further said, “It is obviously going to be very hard to replicate Davey and what he has brought to his team. I think we should look for a player who is best placed to score runs. There are considerations, but realistically, if anyone is scoring runs in Shield Cricket, it’s probably a good sign they can do it at the next level”.