Green or Bancroft? Fans, former greats divided on David Warner’s replacement

Fans have overwhelmingly backed Cameron Bancroft to succeed David Warner at the top of the Australian order. As ROBERT CRADDOCK reports, former greats of the game don’t agree.

The fans want Cameron Bancroft, but the big voices favour Cameron Green.

Harsha Bhogle, the voice of Indian cricket who is currently commentating for Fox, reckons the massive debate trying to identify the outstanding candidate to replace David Warner proves one thing – there isn’t one.

“That’s one thing I remember about great Australian eras … their transitions are normally very smooth,’’ Bhogle said.

“It feels a bit different this time as the enormous debate about Warner’s successor makes make think there isn’t one.’’

The “Who replaces Warner’’ debate after he plays his last Test in Sydney next week is raging on.

This masthead’s fan survey featuring almost 5000 voters has Cameron Bancroft (30%) in front of Matt Renshaw (24%), Mitch Marsh (20%), Cameron Green (9%) and Marcus Harris (9%).

Ricky Ponting does not rate Cameron Green as the likely choice though several of his contemporaries do.

A quick sweep of the commentary area of MCG saw the following views.

Michael Vaughan (Fox Cricket): “Green is a cricketer I would want in my team. You need someone who is going to come out of the blocks. That is what Warner did. Green can do that.

“Green is a front foot player. I think he is a player who looks best when he’s settled when spin comes on. Green is too good a player not to be in the team.

“I don’t think there is an absolute shoo-in who is certain to be a success. So if it’s a risk no matter who you choose I would take the risk and go with Green.’’

Mark Waugh (Fox Cricket): “I would go for Green because I think he has a good technique against quick bowling. I want to see him in our team. He is also a great fieldsman. I think he could be a Shane Watson style all-rounder who can open the batting.

Cameron Green has stayed with the Test squad through the Pakistan series after losing his spot to Mitchell Marsh during the Ashes. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images.

Cameron Bancroft has opened the batting for Sydney Thunder at Lavington Sports Ground in Albury just before Christmas. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images.

“The other player I am keeping an eye on is Will Pucovski because he is the best young player in the country but he has his issues with concussion. If he gets right he could jump the queue but at the moment I am sticking with Green.’’.

Mark Taylor (Triple M): “I would be hedging towards Bancroft because he has scored the runs in Sheffield Shield cricket and that would send a good message as to what we are looking for. I also like him for his fielding. Warner goes out and you lose a slipper. Bancroft goes in and you can solve that. Marcus Harris is not a great slipper.

“To me it’s an important part of Test cricket. If they are not going that way with Bancroft I would be trying to get Green back in the side.’’

Brad Haddin (Triple M): “I think Green is the next best batsman in the country. I am of the opinion you pick your next best batsman. We have seen Justin Langer and Simon Katich move up to open with a lot of success.

“You have a couple of Tests to work it out against the West Indies. I can understand the push for a specialist opener – Marcus Harris has a Cricket Australia contract so he is in their plans – but I would still go with your next best batsman.’’

Originally published as Green or Bancroft? Fans, former greats divided on David Warner’s replacement