Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has weighed in on the debate surrounding the replacement of David Warner as the opening batter for the national team. As the selectors prepare to announce the squad for the first Test against West Indies, the focus has shifted from selecting a specialist opener to finding a way to incorporate all-rounder Cameron Green or potentially allowing Steve Smith to take on the opening role.
Clarke expressed confidence in Smith’s ability, suggesting that if given the opportunity to open, the former captain could become the world’s best Test opener within a year. Clarke highlighted Smith’s technical prowess, his capability to judge deliveries, and his excellent hand-eye coordination.
“If he [Smith] wants to open the batting and they give him the chance, he’ll be the No. 1 Test opener within 12 months,” Clarke stated, emphasizing Smith’s potential in the opening position. “He’s that good a player. If you can bat at three, you can bat anywhere in the order. Technically, he’s good enough, lets the ball go well, he’s got a great eye, got beautiful hands. Yes, he might nick the occasional one or might get lbw, but tell me someone who doesn’t. So if he opens the batting, he’ll be the best opener within 12 months. [And] don’t be surprised if he breaks Brian Lara’s 400 record because he’s that good and now he’s got the whole day,” Clarke said.
However, Clarke noted that recent comments from captain Pat Cummins indicate a preference for minimal disruptions to the current batting order. Consequently, Clarke sees Cameron Green as the more probable option to fill Warner’s opening slot.
“It sounds from what Patty says, he wants the least amount of disruptions as possible. So that tells me that Cameron Green at this stage is probably the likeliest to come in and open the batting,” Clarke added.
While Smith has never opened in Test or first-class cricket, he has expressed his willingness to embrace the challenge. Callum Ferguson, a former Australia batter, endorsed Smith’s potential success in the opening role, stating, “If it was Steve Smith coming to you and saying I want to open the batting, I think he’s looking for a challenge, that next motivation and inspiration in his career, and honestly, if he took to that job I think he’d do it better than anyone else.”
In other news, Wisden has picked the 2023 men’s ODI team of the year, which includes seven Indian players in the XI.
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Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate about who should replace David Warner as the opening batter for the national team. Clarke believes that Steve Smith has the potential to become the world’s best Test opener within a year if given the opportunity. He praised Smith’s technical skills, ability to judge deliveries, and hand-eye coordination. However, recent comments from captain Pat Cummins suggest that Cameron Green is the more likely option to fill Warner’s opening slot. While Smith has never opened in Test or first-class cricket, he has expressed his willingness to embrace the challenge. Callum Ferguson, a former Australia batter, also endorsed Smith’s potential success in the opening role.
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