AUS vs ENG: Should Mitchell Marsh Or Cameron Green Open Instead Of David Warner? Justin Langer Responds

Former Australia National Cricket Team head coach Justin Langer has shared his views on whether Mitchell Marsh or Cameron Green should open the innings for the Aussies in place of David Warner in the remainder of the Ashes 2023 series.

Australia have failed to get good starts in the ongoing five-match Test series against England. Usman Khawaja has been scoring runs consistently but his opening partner Warner has struggled to get going. In six innings, Warner has registered scores of 9, 36, 66, 25, 4, and 1.

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Following Warner’s poor run in the high-profile Ashes series, many have called for his exclusion from the team. Also, with Mitchell Marsh making a blockbuster return to Test cricket, there have been calls for the all-rounder to open the batting for the Pat Cummins-led side.

Also Read: AUS vs ENG: “Dropping David Warner Would Cause Too Much Drama” – Justin Langer Fires Warning To Australia

The 31-year-old Marsh replaced Cameron Green in the Australia XI in the Headingley Test. Notably, the young all-rounder was ruled out of the match due to a ‘low grade’ hamstring strain.

Marsh showcased his aggressive gameplay and played a destructive innings. With his genuine power, he smashed the English bowlers all over the park and scored 118 runs off 118, with 17 fours and 4 sixes. He reached his century in the third Test off 102 deliveries, which was the fastest ton by an Aussie in England since 1902.

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Mitchell Marsh’s father Geoff was an opening batsman for Australia; Mitch isn’t – Justin Langer

Meanwhile, Justin Langer in his column for The Telegraph, stated that Green has never opened in red-ball cricket and he’s not ready to take up the responsibility. He added that Mitchell Marsh is not a natural opener like his father and giving the opening slot to him would be a mistake. He elaborated:

“Cameron Green has never opened in red-ball cricket in his life and his inference was that he is not ready for that responsibility at this stage of his fledgling Test career. Mitch Marsh’s father Geoff was an opening batsman for Australia; Mitch isn’t. Opening the batting with him would be a mistake in my opinion.”

Also Read: Ashes 2023: It’s Not Alien At All – Moeen Ali On Batting At No.3 For Manchester Test

He also opined that Australia should not push Marnus Labuschagne from No.3 to the opening position. Langer stated:

“The problem of moving Labuschagne up the order causes interference to the natural rhythm of the group and disrupts the rest of the batting order. Players prefer batting in the positions they become accustomed to.”

“My long-held view is that if you bat in the top three, you can bat anywhere in the top six. From four down, you are more likely to succeed as a middle-order player only. Facing the new ball in a Test match is a skill that takes time to master. Players like David Boon have succeeded moving from three to open, as did I, but we had the luxury of facing the new ball in our previous roles.”

Also Read: Ashes 2023: “The Truth Is I’ve Always Found It Difficult Bowling To Davey, And I Still Do” – Stuart Broad On David Warner

Australia have a 2-1 lead in the ongoing series and a win in the fourth Test would lead to a series victory for them. The fourth Test between Ben Stokes-led England and Pat Cummins-led Australia will be played from July 19 to 23. The match is set to be held at Old Trafford, Manchester.

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