- By Manik Sharma
- Tue, 09 Jan 2024 04:06 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
AUS vs WI: After David Warner's retirement from red-ball cricket, the prominent question hovering over Australian cricket is the choice of opening partner for Usman Khwaja in the upcoming 2-match test series against the West Indies.
While the conventional approach suggests considering specialist openers such as Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Matt Renshaw, Australian middle-order star Marnus Labuschagne holds a different perspective.
In the lead-up to Wednesday night's BBL clash between Brisbane Heat and Perth Scorchers, Marnus Labuschagne addressed questions about the batting order ahead of the squad announcement for the first Test in Adelaide.
With Warner's departure, Steve Smith has expressed a desire to move from his usual No 4 position to open the innings. At the same time, rising star Cameron Green has flourished at No 4 for Western Australia. Labuschagne voiced confidence in both players' abilities to adapt to these potential changes.
"If Steve does get the nod [to open], I have no doubt that he will do a good job. Cameron Green's record at No. 4 for Western Australia is amazing. Obviously that is not a direct correlation to Test cricket, but you can be pretty confident that over a period of time he is going to be a very good player in that position,” EspnCricinfo quoted Labuschagne as saying.
"[Smith] is excited for a new challenge. If that motivates him and gets the cricket world Steven Smith for another two or three years, I think that is a massive win. It looks like the perfect scenario. When he was captain I know he liked a little more time between being in the field and going out there, but he is ready to get out there from the start now," the Queensland batter added.
Labuschagne commended Green's even temperament, ability to absorb pressure, sound technique, and strong defence. He emphasised the versatility required at No. 4, praising Green's capability to handle different game scenarios, whether it involves attacking or defending.
"I have no doubt that if Cam had to slot into the No1 spot that he would be able to do that as well and that he would be able to bat wherever the team needs, but it seems in this case that Steve really wants that opportunity to bat at the top,'' Labuschagne said.
"He [Cameroon Green] has got a really nice even temperament, a great ability to absorb pressure, is a very good decision-maker, has got a sound technique and a great defence," Labuschagne said.
Australia will face West Indies in the 1st Test match at Adelaide Oval from January 17 onwards.
