AUS vs WI: "You Have To Have Specialist" - Justin Langer Against Cameron Green Opening In Tests

Former Australian head coach Justin Langer isn’t in favor of Cameron Green opening the innings for Australia in the Tests. He hoped for selectors not pushing all-rounder to open and they should get a specialist opener alongside Usman Khawaja.

David Warner’s retirement from the Tests has left a massive void in the Australian team, especially in the longest format of the team. One of the major questions that has been bothering everyone is now who will be opening the innings for the team in the format, especially with India and England slated to tour down under.

There have been several rumors which have suggested that Australia might try opening with Cameron Green in the Tests. The all-rounder has been on the sidelines since Mitchell Marsh has returned to the team and the team management is tempted to get Green in the XI.

Cameron Green hasn’t opened innings in Tests but has performed the role in white-ball format. However, opening against the red ball is the most difficult task and the all-rounder won’t find it easy, especially in Australian conditions, where new balls move a lot early on.

Justin Langer pointed out that Cameron Green hasn’t opened before and it won’t be a good decision to give him the role. He revealed that selectors are keen to get him in the team but the need of the hour for the team is specialist opener.

Justin Langer highlighted that Australia tried opening with Matthew Wade and Aaron Finch, which didn’t work and they shouldn’t repeat the same mistake. He also stated that even Steve Smith might not be suitable for the position. Speaking to Perth radio station 6PR, he explained:

“I hope they don’t open with him. He hasn’t opened before. The only reason he is in the discussion about it is that the Australian team and selectors obviously want to get him into the team. But sometimes you have to wait. I believe you have to have a specialist opener.

“We tried this with Matthew Wade. We tried this with Aaron Finch, who selflessly did it for the team. And I am sure Cameron Green or Steve Smith might do that. But I believe with India coming over next year and then the Ashes in Australia, the sooner they get into a specialist opener, the better, because it is a very specialized position.”

Cameron Green has played 24 Tests so far and has batted in the middle order for all those games. He has scored 1075 runs at an average of 33.59 to go with one century and six half-centuries. Recently Steve Smith also expressed his desire to open for Australia.

The hardest part about being the coach of Australia was being a selector – Justin Langer

Justin Langer further stated that when he was the head coach of the team, the hardest part of his job was to pick the team. He highlighted the issues one faces as a coach and explained:

“The hardest part about being the coach of Australia was being a selector because, one, you can’t fit 12 or 13 or 14 into 11. It is impossible. And two, if I pick Cameron Bancroft, the Vics are going to say ‘That’s rubbish. You should have picked Harris.’ And if they pick Bancroft or Harris, the Queenslanders will say, ‘That is rubbish. You should have picked Renshaw.’ Thankfully I don’t have to worry about it anymore.”

Australia have the likes of specialist openers in Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw, and Cameron Bancroft in the ranks. It remains to be seen who will fill in the shoes of David Warner in the team. They recently crushed Pakistan 3-0 and will be next seen in action against West Indies.