David Warner's expected successor as Australia’s next Test opener revealed

The anticipation surrounding David Warner’s successor as Australia’s next Test opener is set to be resolved when the selectors unveil the squad for the upcoming series against West Indies on Wednesday.

Warner bowed out of Test cricket after his final match against Pakistan last week.

Numerous names have circulated, both from within and outside the current Test squad, including Steve Smith, Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, Matthew Renshaw, and Cameron Green.

As per The Herald Sun in Australia, Smith appears to be the frontrunner to partner with Usman Khawaja in the opening roles, while Green might make a return to the Test eleven, occupying his preferred No. 4 position.

Nevertheless, the report suggests that the selectors might hold off on revealing the batting order when announcing the squad for the two-Test series, commencing on January 17 in Adelaide.

Renshaw is anticipated to serve as the backup batter, indicating that both Harris and Bancroft will need to bide their time for an opportunity.

Australia Test star Marnus Labuschagne has backed Smith to excel as a Test opener. “If Steve does get the nod from (captain) Pat (Cummins) and the selectors and the coaches, I’ve got no doubt he’ll do a good job and … Cameron Green, his record at No.4 for Western Australia is amazing,” Labuschagne said on Tuesday.

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke even claims Smith to become the world’s top Test batter within a year should he play as an opener.

“If he (Smith) wants to open the batting and they (team management) give him the chance, he will be the number one Test opener within 12 months. He is that good a player. If he can bat at 3, he can bat anywhere. Technically he is good enough, he lets the ball go well, and he has great hand-eye coordination. Yes, he might knick the occasional one or might get lbw but tell me something that doesn’t,” Clarke said on ESPN’s Around the Wicket Podcast.

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