admin
David Warner has given a strong endorsement for Marcus Harris to replace him as Australia’s next Test opener after a day where he and Usman Khawaja showed the value of having specialists do the job, sharing a 90-run opening stand in difficult conditions against Pakistan to help Australia weather the storm.
Warner and Khawaja batted almost through the opening session after they were sent in by Pakistan captain Shan Masood on an MCG pitch that had plenty of live green grass. The partnership ensured Australia did not find themselves in a vulnerable position as they reached stumps at 187 for 3 after 24 overs were lost to rain.
The debate on who should replace Warner after he retires from the format — at the end of the series — has bubbled away as a talking point, with Michael Hussey adding to the debate by stating he would prefer to see a specialist do the job.
Warner had been asked back in July about who should replace him. He spoke glowingly about Matt Renshaw’s credentials before mentioning that Harris had the “front-row seat” as the touring reserve in the Ashes.
But after grinding out an 83-ball 38 in a vital 90-run opening stand, that included being dropped on 2 by Abdullah Shafique off Shaheen Shah Afridi, Warner endorsed Harris as the man to take his place after he retires in Sydney.
“It’s a tough one,” Warner said. “It’s obviously up to the selectors. But from my position, I feel like the person who’s worked their backside off and has been there for a while in the background, I think Harry’s been that person. He’s toured, he’s going to have that chance. He scored a hundred the other day (for a Victoria XI vs the Pakistanis).
“He missed out in a couple other games but he’s always been that person who was next in line. If the selectors show faith in him, then I’m sure he’ll come out and play the way he does. It’s not too dissimilar to me. If he sees it in his areas, he goes for it, plays his shots, and I think he would fit well.”
Warner, 37, does not think Australia will need a second opener any time soon de-spite his current partner Khawaja being the same age as him. He was full of praise for Khawaja’s performance on the opening day. Khawaja made just 42 but looked the more comfortable of the pair and hardly put a foot wrong in the tricky morning conditions until he tried to late cut a ball from Hasan Ali that was a fraction too close and slightly too full and ended up edging it to second slip.
Warner believes Khawaja could continue for as long as he wants to, given the form he is in and his importance to the team.
“I think because Uzzy’s spoken about the fact that he was resigned to the fact that he was done a few years back and now he’s just playing like every game is his last,” Warner said. “He’s going to keep playing as long as he can and it’s a true testament to the way his mindset has been. His last 12 months have been absolutely phe-nomenal and he can play as long as he wants to and feels comfortable.” — ESPNCricInfo.
Online Reporter