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Former Australia coach Justin Langer expressed concerns over the team management’s consideration of using Cameron Green as an opener to fill the void left by David Warner‘s retirement from Test cricket.
Opening conundrum after David Warner’s retirement
Warner’s departure from the longest format has created a significant gap in the team, and potential replacements for the opening slot, including Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw, are being evaluated. Unconventional options such as Green and Steve Smith are also in the discussion.
Justin Langer expresses reservations over Cameron Green as an opener
Langer, speaking to Perth radio station 6PR, conveyed his hope that Green won’t be tasked with opening as he has no prior experience in that role. The former coach believes Green’s name is being considered because the selectors are keen to include him in the team.
“I hope they don’t open with him. He hasn’t opened before. The only reason he is in the discussion about it is that the Australian team and selectors obviously want to get him into the team. But sometimes you have to wait. I believe you have to have a specialist opener,” Langer said.
Also READ: Cricket fraternity hails David Warner after his retirement from Test cricket
Langer advocates for specialist opener in light of upcoming home series
While Langer acknowledges that both Green and Smith could handle the opening role, he emphasizes the need for a specialist, especially with the upcoming home series against India and the Ashes against England.
“We tried this with Matthew Wade. We tried this with Aaron Finch, who selflessly did it for the team. And I am sure Cameron Green or Steve Smith might do that. But I believe with India coming over next year and then the Ashes in Australia, the sooner they get into a specialist opener, the better, because it is a very specialised position,” the 53-year-old concluded.
Green’s record in Test cricket
Green, making his Test debut in 2020, has consistently batted in the lower middle order across all 24 Tests he has played. The talented all-rounder holds a respectable batting record, averaging 33.59 with one century and six half-centuries.
