The hot topic in Australian cricket circles is the ongoing debate about who will partner Usman Khawaja as the opening batsman for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Test series against India. The recent T20 World Cup exit and the ongoing white-ball tour of the UK have not captured the attention of Australian fans, who are more focused on the long-term replacement for retired opener David Warner.
Steven Smith’s experiment as an opener has been met with mixed reviews, with many calling for him to move back to his usual No. 4 position. Despite Smith’s initial desire to open and his success in that role against the West Indies, his struggles in New Zealand have raised doubts. Teammates like Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne have publicly expressed their preference for Smith to bat at No. 4.
Coach Andrew McDonald has stated that no decision has been made regarding the opening partnership, but discussions are ongoing. If Smith does not open, potential candidates include Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh. Labuschagne has experience opening in first-class cricket and could swap positions with Smith, while Green was considered for the role before Smith volunteered.
Head has been suggested as a possible opener by Khawaja, given his success in limited-overs cricket, but his record against spin in the subcontinent is a concern. Marsh, on the other hand, has stated that he is not suited to opening and prefers his No. 6 position. His excellent form last summer makes him a valuable asset in the middle order.
Ultimately, the decision on who will partner Khawaja as the opening batsman against India remains uncertain. The selectors will have to weigh the options carefully and consider the team balance before making a final decision. With several viable candidates in contention, Australian fans will be eagerly awaiting the selectors’ announcement ahead of the upcoming Test series.