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As Australian opener David Warner prepares to bid farewell to red-ball cricket following the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, cricket pundits are speculating about the player who could fill the void left by Warner’s departure. Legendary cricketer Mark Waugh has weighed in on the matter, singling out a promising candidate for the role.
David Warner’s departure sets the stage for a new opener
The three-match Test series against Pakistan, beginning on December 14 in Perth, marks the conclusion of Warner’s illustrious red-ball cricket journey. With Warner’s exit, Australia is in search of a fitting replacement, and Waugh has shared his insights on who could step into the shoes of the prolific opener.
Star all-rounder emerges as Mark Waugh’s choice
Waugh has suggested a departure from the conventional choices of specialist openers, such as Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Matthew Renshaw. Instead, Waugh advocated for Cameron Green, currently occupying a middle-order position, to open alongside Usman Khawaja for the Australian Test team.
Waugh acknowledged the dilemma faced by the selectors in choosing Warner’s successor. While Bancroft, Harris, and Renshaw have all presented strong cases, Waugh believed that Green’s all-around skills make him a standout choice. Despite Green losing his spot to Mitchell Marsh midway through the Ashes tour, Waugh sees the young talent as a valuable asset for the team.
“That’s the million dollar question. Who’s going to be opening the batting with Usman Khawaja? And he’s probably not going to be around that long either. But assuming he’s still there, I guess there’s the choice of Bancroft, Harris or Renshaw, they’re the three that I guess you think of foremost. And probably Bancroft has had the best form in the last 12 to 15 months at first class level. But I’m not sure the selectors are totally sold on all or any of those. I just think that they may be looking elsewhere. That person should be Green, who lost his spot to Marsh midway through the Ashes tour,” said Waugh on Fox Cricket.
Also READ: Michael Vaughan identifies a player as a potential replacement for David Warner in Tests – AUS vs PAK
A multi-faceted talent
According to Waugh, Green’s inclusion as an opener could provide a Shane Watson-like dynamic to the team. Green’s ability to bowl quality overs, his prowess as a fielder, and his promising batting technique make him an attractive option. Despite Green batting at six in the lineup, Waugh sees the potential for success in elevating him to an opening position.
Expressing his strong preference for Green, Waugh emphasizes the balance and versatility the young cricketer brings to the team. While Marsh has solidified his position in the lineup, Waugh suggests a reshuffling that includes Green as the new opening partner for Khawaja.
“There’s not a lot of other options available, but I’d be seriously thinking of getting Cameron Green in to open the batting. I want him in the team, because he just offers so much. He gives great balance because he bowls ten to 15 good hours, he’s a great fieldsman and I think his batting, he hasn’t quite nailed it yet, but when I (have) seen him, he’s got a good technique and he plays fast bowling well,” explained Waugh.
“And he’s batted at six so far and often you get the second new ball at six, so … I just think it could be a bit of a Shane Watson-type situation, so I’d seriously be looking at him, because I want him in the team. At the moment Mitch Marsh has obviously nailed that spot that he was in, so that’d be the way I’d possibly go,” Waugh added further.
