As Australia bids farewell to their star opener, David Warner, in the ongoing third Test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), the focus shifts to finding a suitable replacement for the upcoming red-ball series against West Indies. With Warner’s retirement leaving a void at the top of the order, the selectors are faced with the challenging task of identifying the right candidate to partner with Usman Khawaja.
Shane Watson reveals his choice
Former Australian all-rounder, Shane Watson, has added an unexpected twist to the selection conundrum. Watson, known for his scintillating skills, has suggested that Cameron Green could be the ideal replacement for Warner as a Test opener. This astonishing proposition has sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts and experts.
Skill set and mentality
Watson expressed confidence in Green’s ability to succeed at the top of the order. The Queenslander emphasized that Green possesses the necessary skills, run-scoring ability, and the right mindset to thrive as an opening batter in Test cricket. Despite Green being primarily an all-rounder, Watson believed that managing his bowling workload is feasible, drawing parallels with his own experience as an all-rounder who opened the batting.
“There’s no question in my mind he can [open]. Australia needs to get Cameron Green into the team and the opportunity that you’ve got right now is for him to open. They’ll just have to manage his bowling, for sure, like with my bowling when I was opening the batting,” said Watson as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Also READ: “The Renegades have been a huge part of my life”: Aaron Finch announces BBL retirement
The call for opportunity
Watson urged the Australian think tank to consider giving the young and promising Green a golden opportunity in the upcoming Test series against West Indies. While acknowledging that it might take Green a game or two to settle into his role as an opener, Watson remains optimistic about the youngster’s potential impact at the top of the order.
“But he absolutely has got the skill, the run-scoring ability and the understanding to be able to make the most of being an opening batter for sure. It might take him a game or two just to be able to work out exactly what his game plan is. But he’s definitely got the game and the mentality to make the most of it,” added Watson.
