Australia's Test Openers debate
In The Cordon Cricket Podcast | December 31, 2023
By Callum Dunk from In the Cordon Podcast
David Warner's form over the last 2 years has been very questionable, but there is no doubt that his retirement will leave a massive hole in this Australian team. Currently, there are 4 contenders to replace him at the top.
Marcus Harris, seemingly next in line to open, has been the backup batsman on tours for the last 2 years. He only averages 25 in test cricket and 36 in the Sheffield Shield over the last 3 years. Out of his 14 test matches, 10 of them have been against India or England. Blooding him against a weaker West Indies team could be the break he needs to succeed.
Cameron Green, if Australia aims to field the best 6 batters, Green could get the nod. I have a feeling this is what they desperately want to do. He has never opened in first-class cricket but has done so in white-ball cricket previously. With a solid technique, a change in the order could free him up. Obviously, his bowling is another element that will allow the big 3 quicks to remain fresh. Green averages 33.59 from his 24 test matches and has taken 30 wickets at an average of 36. Is it sustainable for him to play all 3 formats and open in test cricket? As much as he deserves a place in the side, he just needs to wait his turn whilst Mitch Marsh is in amazing form.
Matthew Renshaw, fresh off a 136* against Pakistan in the PM's XI match in Canberra. When he was first dropped from Australia in 2017/18, it was due to poor Sheffield Shield form rather than poor test form. He played in the middle order during 3 tests in 2023, which is not his natural position. He can bowl some useful off-spin as well and is a good slip fielder. He is a bit younger than both Harris and Bancroft, with an average of 29.31 from 14 test matches.
Cameron Bancroft, the man who should get the nod. Nothing short of outstanding in his Sheffield Shield cricket over a 3-year period, averaging 50 during that time. In his 10 test matches, he has faced England 7 times and a high-quality South African bowling attack 3 times. He holds an average of 26.23 from his 10 matches. He can't do any more at Shield level and has consistently been in form. Another trick to Bancroft's bow is the fact that his is an incredible fielder, whether it's in the slip cordon or get short leg/bat pad.
In my opinion, Cameron Bancroft must be selected for Adelaide. If Cameron Green is chosen as an opener, it implies that Sheffield Shield cricket means absolutely nothing and indicates a broken system. Whoever they pick, Cricket Australia needs to stick with this player for at least 12 months and back them against the West Indies and India at home, as well as New Zealand away.
