NEW DELHI: As Australia gear up for their final Test series of the year against Pakistan, the question of who will replace veteran opener David Warner remains open-ended, according to head coach Andrew McDonald.
Warner, seeking a Test farewell during the third Test against Pakistan in Sydney, has his spot secured for the first Test, but McDonald emphasised that the opening position is subject to continuous evaluation.
During a training session at the WACA Ground in Perth, Warner, 37, expressed his determination for a Test farewell, donning sunglasses as he batted. McDonald confirmed Warner’s participation in the first Test and emphasised that decisions regarding his successor would be made as needed.
While no firm succession plan is in place, McDonald acknowledged that options include Matthew Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, and Marcus Harris. These players, with notable performances in Shield cricket, are front-runners for the opening slot.
However, McDonald hinted at a less conventional approach, considering the all-round capabilities of Cameron Green.
Mitchell Marsh, slated to play at number six against Pakistan, could pave the way for Cameron Green’s return to the middle order. This situation might involve promoting another batter to open, with options like Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne being considered. Travis Head, with experience opening in white-ball cricket, is also in the mix.
McDonald emphasised the importance of selecting the best playing eleven in each match during the World Test Championship. He suggested that strong performances in white-ball cricket could influence a player’s chances in Test cricket as an opener.
The coach acknowledged the strength of the Shield competition and the challenges in assessing batting units on varied wickets. While acknowledging that decisions regarding Warner’s successor are crucial, McDonald emphasised that Warner has not left yet, and the team will address the situation when needed.
The uncertainty surrounding Warner’s successor leaves room for various possibilities, and the Australian think tank will carefully evaluate options based on performances and team dynamics.
Schedule of Pakistan tour of Australia:
First Test: December 14-18, Perth Stadium
Second Test: December 26-30, MCG
Third Test: January 3-7, SCG
Australia squad (first Test only): Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner
Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
(With inputs from ANI)
Warner, seeking a Test farewell during the third Test against Pakistan in Sydney, has his spot secured for the first Test, but McDonald emphasised that the opening position is subject to continuous evaluation.
During a training session at the WACA Ground in Perth, Warner, 37, expressed his determination for a Test farewell, donning sunglasses as he batted. McDonald confirmed Warner’s participation in the first Test and emphasised that decisions regarding his successor would be made as needed.
While no firm succession plan is in place, McDonald acknowledged that options include Matthew Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, and Marcus Harris. These players, with notable performances in Shield cricket, are front-runners for the opening slot.
However, McDonald hinted at a less conventional approach, considering the all-round capabilities of Cameron Green.
Mitchell Marsh, slated to play at number six against Pakistan, could pave the way for Cameron Green’s return to the middle order. This situation might involve promoting another batter to open, with options like Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne being considered. Travis Head, with experience opening in white-ball cricket, is also in the mix.
McDonald emphasised the importance of selecting the best playing eleven in each match during the World Test Championship. He suggested that strong performances in white-ball cricket could influence a player’s chances in Test cricket as an opener.
The coach acknowledged the strength of the Shield competition and the challenges in assessing batting units on varied wickets. While acknowledging that decisions regarding Warner’s successor are crucial, McDonald emphasised that Warner has not left yet, and the team will address the situation when needed.
The uncertainty surrounding Warner’s successor leaves room for various possibilities, and the Australian think tank will carefully evaluate options based on performances and team dynamics.
Schedule of Pakistan tour of Australia:
First Test: December 14-18, Perth Stadium
Second Test: December 26-30, MCG
Third Test: January 3-7, SCG
Australia squad (first Test only): Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner
Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
(With inputs from ANI)