Matthew Hayden Advocates for Matt Renshaw as David Warner’s Successor in the Australian Test Squad
Test opening legend Matthew Hayden firmly opposes the idea of moving Steve Smith to the top of the order against the West Indies, advocating for Matt Renshaw to be appointed as David Warner’s successor.
As Cricket Australia gears up to unveil a fresh Test squad on Wednesday, Hayden’s insights shed light on the ongoing selection dilemmas.
Cameron Bancroft’s hopes of a Test recall are diminishing, leaving two non-specialist openers, Cameron Green and Smith, as the primary contenders to partner Usman Khawaja after Warner bid farewell at the Sydney Cricket Ground last week.
Sources close to the Australian team suggest that a decision on Warner’s replacement and a new squad member will made by Tuesday night.
Despite Smith expressing interest in opening the batting, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting and Hayden’s longtime opening partner Justin Langer have question the wisdom of such a move, suggesting that Smith is better suit to No.4.
Captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald have also hinted at their reservations about shifting Smith from his established No.4 position.
Hayden, with his extensive experience and success as an opener, believes that strategically, moving Smith to the top is unlikely to work for Cricket Australia.
He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a solid foundation, particularly the stability of the top four batsmen, which has been a key structure for the success of the Test team over the last two years.
“I just can’t see how strategically that [Smith opening] is going to work for Cricket Australia.
They will need someone more concrete than that,” says Hayden, emphasizing the significance of finding a reliable replacement for Warner.
According to Hayden, Matt Renshaw is the ideal candidate for the opening position, given his age and potential.
Read More: David Warner’s grand farewell to Australian and Test cricket
Renshaw, the youngest among the candidates outside the Test team, has received a glowing endorsement from Hayden, who sees him as the left-handed opener with longevity.
Hayden explains, “With a banker like Khawaja, given the form, maybe it’s time to look to the future and groom that individual.
It’s a gut feel more than anything.” He argues that Renshaw’s youthfulness provides a valuable edge, and this could be the opportune moment to give him the chance to solidify his place in Test cricket.
If selectors choose to include Renshaw in an extended squad, there is still the possibility of Green or Smith opening in the first Test. However, sources close to the team suggest that Renshaw is being groom as Khawaja’s permanent replacement whenever he retires from Test cricket.
Bancroft, once a contender, is now mention less as the announcement approaches. If a Western Australian is chosen, Green appears to the most likely candidate.
Bancroft, despite being the leading run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield, may face hurdles due to his lower strike rate, potentially hampering his return to Test cricket.
Read More: David Warner Bids Farewell with Style and Emotion: A Glorious End to a Storied Test Career
Former Test skipper Michael Clarke has made a bold prediction, stating that Smith could become the best opener in the world within 12 months and might even break Brian Lara’s world record for the highest individual score in a Test if moved up the order.
Clarke suggests that Smith’s exceptional skills make him more than capable of meeting the challenge of opening the innings.
As Cricket Australia prepares to announce its Test squad, the debate over the opening partnership intensifies.
Whether it’s Renshaw, Green, or the unconventional choice of Smith at the top, the decision will undoubtedly shape the future of Australia’s Test batting lineup.
The anticipation builds as fans and cricket pundits eagerly await the official unveiling of the squad and the new opening combination for the upcoming Test against the West Indies.
