PAK vs AUS: “Someone Who…”! Michael Hussey Shares Advice On David Warner’s Replacement In Tests

Former Australia batsman Michael Hussey has shared his advice on David Warner’s replacement in Tests. Michael Hussey urged Australian selectors to go for a traditional and proper opener who has a lot of experience in first-class cricket.

David Warner has announced his retirement from Tests after the ongoing AUS vs PAK Test series. Warner will pull the curtains down on his Test career after the series. Notably, he has been a wonderful Test opener for the team over the years. However, after his ouster, Australia might struggle to find an equally powerful opening batsman.

I Would Be Going For A Traditional, Proper Opener: Michael Hussey On David Warner’s Replacement

While speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, former left-handed Aussie batter Michael Hussey said that he would go for a traditional and proper opener who has handled the opening slot for a long period.

“Opening is one of the toughest jobs in the game. So for me personally, if I was selecting, I’d be going for a traditional, proper opener. Someone who has done it for a long period of time. Because if you haven’t done it much in your first-class career, it’s going to be very difficult to come up the order”, the 48-year-old said.

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Michael Hussey, who represented Australia from 2014 to 2015, also feels it would be difficult for Mitchell Marsh or someone else in the current team to take David Warner’s opening slot.

“I’m not saying you can’t do it, and maybe someone could evolve into doing that role. But I think it would be difficult for a player like Mitch Marsh or someone – I know there’s been talk about him going up the order. I think he’s probably more suited, much like Travis Head, to be in the middle-order. I think that’d be the best for the balance of the Australian team,” Hussey further added.

Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Matt Renshaw are the three possible players who might take David Warner’s place as Test opener in the future. All these players have showcased an outstanding form in Sheffield Shield- Australia’s domestic First-Class league.

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I Like Someone Who’s Been Dominating In Sheffield Shield

Michael Hussey refrained from taking any names for Australia’s new Test opener. However, he said he would like someone who has been dominating Sheffield Shield cricket for a long time.

“I like whoever’s dominating the level below, who’s been dominating in Sheffield Shield cricket over a period of time, and to be fair, they all have at various stages. So it’s a tough job for the selectors. I don’t want to stand here and say it should be this guy or this guy”, he said.

Michael Hussey, who played 79 Tests for Australia during his career, feels picking a player from Sheffield Shield will send a great message to the competition.

“I hope that they reward the guy that’s been performing very well at Sheffield Shield cricket. I think that sends a great message to the competition. And it’s great for our pathways that we’re going to reward the guys that are doing well,” the former-left-handed batter further added.

Meanwhile, Australia is set to take place Pakistan in the 2nd Test of the ongoing Pakistan tour of Australia 2023-24. The PAK vs AUS 2nd Test begins on Tuesday, December 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia earlier won the 1st Test by 360 runs and leads the three-match series 1-0.