IND vs AUS: Michael Clarke announces Australia's openers for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Former captain Michael Clarke has demanded Cameron Bancroft’s inclusion in Australia's playing XI for the upcoming high-stakes five-match Test series against India at home. Clarke believes that the experienced Bancroft should be given the opening role in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Cameron Bancroft's inclusion has become a hot topic among the Australian cricket fraternity, especially with the competition heating up over who will open alongside the senior opener Usman Khawaja in the upcoming Test series against India.

Michael Clarke backs Cameron Bancroft for opening role in Australia's Test series against India

Many have been debating whether to go with Cameron Bancroft's proven consistency in domestic cricket or take a gamble on rising stars like Marcus Harris or the relatively fresh talent Sam Konstas.

But Michael Clarke wants Australia to go with Bancroft, given his track record in domestic cricket. Bancroft was the top scorer in two consecutive Sheffield Shield seasons, but he was surprisingly overlooked earlier this year when David Warner retired.

Australia opted for an unconventional lineup, employing all-rounder Cameron Green at No. 4 while promoting Steve Smith to the top of the batting order, leaving Bancroft out of the playing XI.

Well, Michael Clarke emphasized the importance of consistency and reliability, qualities that Bancroft has shown time and again in domestic cricket. While Harris and Konstas may be seen as potential future stars, boy, they don’t have the much-needed experience that Bancroft brings to the table.

Australia should give priority to Bancroft or Marcus Harris: Clarke

Michael Clarke said on Sky’s Big Sports Breakfast: “I don't think it's fair to pick someone on two games. This is also what I've said about Sam Konstas as well. I think he's a very talented player, and I love that he's started the season very well, but just because you get two hundreds doesn't mean you jump someone that's scored 12 hundreds in the past four years, like Bancroft or Harris.”

Notably, Sam Konstas has been on the radar for his impressive start to his career, but Clarke feels the Australian team would need proven ability under pressure to face India’s formidable bowling attack in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He feels Bancroft belongs at the top of the order.

However, Michael Clarke acknowledged the potential of 20-year-old Konstas, but he stressed that players like Bancroft and Harris deserve to be prioritized for the opening role given their brilliance and consistent performances in domestic cricket. The former captain added, “They've played first-class cricket for a long time; they've earned the right to be next in line.”

Michael Clarke rules out last-minute selection drama for Australia’s Test opener against India

Furthermore, Clarke believes that the Australian captain Pat Cummins and the national selectors have likely already made their decision on who will join Usman Khawaja as an opener for the upcoming Test series against India.

With Cameron Green now out of action due to an injury, Clarke dismissed the idea that the Australia A vs India A matches would serve as a last-minute contest to find out Khawaja’s partner at the top of the batting order.

Clarke signed off by saying, “I would be very disappointed if I were captain of the Australian cricket team and I didn't know who was opening the batting right now in that first Test match.”