3 minute read

There are five realistic options to replace David Warner, and all have significant pros and cons in the race to be Australia's next Test opener.

THE CASES FOR AND AGAINST ALL AUSTRALIA'S OPENER OPTIONS

CAMERON BANCROFT:

FOR: Has been the leading run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield for the past 18 months, averaging 56.88 this season. His game appears to have developed significantly since his last chance, during a difficult 2019 Ashes for openers.

AGAINST: He is the only player in the top-15 run-scorers in the Shield this season to go at a strike-rate of less than 40. Australia would ideally likely someone who pressures the bowlers with the more patient Usman Khawaja at the other end.

MARCUS HARRIS

FOR: Has been part of Australia's set up for some time, taken as the reserve batter on all tours outside of Asia in recent years. Has found some form in the past two months, scoring a century against Pakistan for a Victorian XI.

AGAINST: Has had the most chances at the top of the order of all options, and has never really sealed a spot. His 26 innings without a century and an average of 25.29 don't exactly demand a recall.

MATT RENSHAW

FOR: There was always a belief when Renshaw was dropped as opener in 2017 that Australia would see more of him. Has a Test century to his name and scores at a quicker rate now than when he was last in the team.

AGAINST: Hasn't scored the runs of Cameron Bancroft in the past 18 months, or spent as much time around the squad as Marcus Harris. It's hard to see him leapfrogging both if Australia pick a specialist opener.

CAMERON GREEN

FOR: Australia are very keen to get Green back in the team as a generational talent and genuine allrounder. There is also a belief he has the gears in his game to score at a quick enough rate to put pressure back on the bowlers.

AGAINST: Has never opened in Test or domestic cricket in a red-ball game. There's also a thought that a season back in the Sheffield Shield has rarely hurt anyone, and could do Green the world of good after being dropped following a tough Ashes.

STEVE SMITH

FOR: Smith is a proven performer and a move to the top could reinvigorate his career. Is also known to be keen on the move, which would allow a recalled Cameron Green to bat in his most natural position of No.4.

AGAINST: Has never opened in Test cricket, and both Andrew McDonald and Pat Cummins are cautious about moving him out of No.4. Cummins said on Sunday he would prefer as little disruption as possible to the side.