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For Clarke though, the role of an opener isn’t merely one to be filled haphazardly, but rather one that requires the expertise of a specialist themselves.
Steve Smith (PTI Photo)
When there’s a job to be done, call a specialist, says former Australia skipper Michael Clarke, when asked about the Aussies’ struggle to find an opening partner with Usman Khawaja as BGT 2024 nears.
With Steve Smith moving back to number four after briefly filling the vacancy left by David Warner’s retirement, Australia are currently in a pickle with figuring out who would open the batting for the side against India, with names such as Cameron Bancroft, Sam Konstas, Marcus Harris and even Josh Inglis floating around as a possible partners.
For Clarke though, the role isn’t merely one to be filled haphazardly, but rather one that requires the expertise of a specialist opener themselves.
“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. 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 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,” stated a no-nonsense Clarke on Sky Sports Radio.
The Aussie also pointed out the absurdity of misjudging openers’ skill due to a couple of tough outings in the Shield, stating that there’s more to recognising talent than to just blindly go by recent numbers.
“The problem they have at the moment is the top three contenders who are specialist opening batters are not making runs in Shield cricket. Who gives a shit? 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.”
Clarke also named Cameron Bancroft as his pick for the opening slot, given his consistent performances over the last couple of years in Shield cricket.
“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.”
(with agency inputs)
