Former captain Michael Clarke has advised Australian selectors to pick a specialist opener after the experiment of moving Steve Smith to the top of the order backfired. Clarke made the suggestion ahead of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Test series against India, which starts on November 22.
Smith, whose preferred position is No. 4, struggled as an opener following David Warner’s retirement.
Clarke’s comments now come after Warner hinted at a possible return from retirement for the crucial series.However, with all-rounder Cameron Green unavailable due to a back injury, Australia need to find a reliable opener.
“We made a mistake in getting Steve Smith to open the batting in Test cricket, so let’s not make the same mistake. Let’s pick a specialist opener, whoever is best equipped,” Clarke told Sky Sports Radio.
Australia have options like Sam Konstas and Marcus Harris for the opener’s position. There are also reports suggesting selectors are considering Josh Inglis and Nathan McSweeney, though they haven’t opened in matches frequently.
Clarke expressed skepticism about this approach: “How can you justify Josh Inglis is a better person to open the batting in a Test match against this Indian attack than a specialist opener?” he wondered.
“He scored Shield runs, yes, but he bats in the middle order. It’s not just about who’s making runs right here, right now. That is not how you select an Australian cricket team.
“The problem they (Australia) have at the moment is the top three contenders who are specialist opening batters are not making runs in Shield cricket.
“Who gives a s**t? It’s been two Shield rounds on wickets that are seaming — who cares? It can’t just be about making runs in the two Shield games.”
He also noted the lack of runs from specialist openers in the current Shield cricket season. Clarke suggested Cameron Bancroft, highlighting his consistent performance over the last three seasons.
“I would probably go with Cameron Bancroft because he’s been the leading run scorer for the last two years in Shield cricket. I care about Shield cricket. I think he’s earned the right to be selected based on runs,” he added.
