Australia Test squad vs. West Indies: Cameron Green to return, Steve Smith likely opener, Matt Renshaw wins squad spot

Marnus Labuschagne says a proposed elevation of Steve Smith to allow Cam Green to return is exactly what the team needs and could prolong the career of the former Test skipper.

Marnus Labuschagne believes proposed batting promotions for Cameron Green and Steve Smith could be the “perfect scenario’’ for Australia and keep Smith in the game for three more years.

This masthead revealed Green is poised to be recalled to Australia’s Test side in place of the retired David Warner for next week’s first Test against the West Indies in Adelaide.

Queensland’s Matt Renshaw is also set for a recall but is likely to be consigned to the role of reserve batsman.

Australia is leaning towards batting Green at his preferred place at No 4 and granting Smith his surprise wish to open the batting though no confirmation is expected when the team is named on Wednesday.

Green looks set to return to the Test fold. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The proposed switch of Smith from No 4 to opener has divided the cricket world with the likes of Matt Hayden, Merv Hughes and Ricky Ponting strongly opposing it but Michael Clarke lauding it as a shrewd move which could see Smith become one of the world’s finest openers.

Labuschagne, who would bat between Smith and Green at three, feels such a move would benefit both players and team.

“If Steve does get the nod from Pat (Cummins) and the selectors and the coaches I’ve got no doubt that he would do a good job,’’ said Labuschagne, who will join Usman Khawaja in playing for the Brisbane Heat against the Perth Scorchers at the Gabba in the Big Bash on Wednesday night.

“I think his (Smith’s) desire is that he’s excited for a new challenge. If that motivates him and that gets the cricket world Steve Smith for another three years I think that is a massive win.

“So if that is the way they go, I’m sure he’s going to do a good job. And if they don’t they don’t he averages 63 at number four so that is pretty good as well.

“It looks like the perfect scenario. When he was captain he liked a little bit more time from being in the field to getting out there. But I think he is ready to get out there from the start now.’’

Usman Khawaja (R) and Steve Smith will lead Australia’s batting line-up. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP)

Smith would be united at the top of the order with Usman Khawaja, who, significantly, has been his most productive Test match batting partner with the duo sharing 10 century stands, four more than Khawaja had with David Warner.

Labuschagne feels Green would revel at No 4 where he averages better than 60 for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield.

“Obviously Cameron Green’s record at No 4 four Western Australia is amazing. Obviously that is not a direct correlation to Test cricket but I think (you would be) pretty confident over a period of time he’s going to be a very good player in that position.’’

“I’ve seen him get three hundreds (at four) at the Gabba in Shield cricket. He has a really nice even temperament. He is a very good decision maker, especially for a guy who is over two metres tall.

“He has a sound technique and a great defence. That’s the versatility you need at four. Someone who can play different scenarios. (He) knows when to push the button and knows when to hold back.

“We have seen him play in England and manage extensive periods of short pitched bowling. I’m sure that if he goes down that oath he can manage those different scenarios.’’

Asked whether, if the selectors went down the Smith-Green route it was a slap in the face for the credibility of the Sheffield Shield competition Labuschagne pointed out that Green averaged over 50 in Shield cricket.

Scott Boland is set to be the sole spare quick, with Lance Morris waiting in the wings.

EXPECTED AUSTRALIAN SQUAD: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Matt Renshaw.

BATTING PUZZLE SOLVED: WARNER’S LIKELY REPLACEMENT REVEALED

– Ben Horne and Daniel Cherny

Cameron Green is set to return to the Australian Test team with Steve Smith firming to fill David Warner’s spot at the top of the order.

This masthead understands all-rounder Green will be chosen in Australia’s squad for next week’s first Test against the West Indies in Adelaide.

The gifted 24-year-old was squeezed out of the team due to the career-best form of Mitchell Marsh but Warner’s retirement has given the selectors a vehicle to get him back into the team.

It is believed when the selectors announce the team tomorrow they may not nominate their batting order but Smith is favourite to replace Warner, who has retired from Tests after the Sydney five-dayer against Pakistan.

Steve Smith and Cam Green will shakeup the Aussie batting side. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Smith was no-one’s choice to replace Warner a few weeks ago but the former captain’s decision to declare his willingness to fill the role has influenced the selectors thoughts, particularly after most of his middle order rivals showed no interest in being promoted.

If Smith opens Green can bat at number four, his favoured position.

Matt Renshaw is set to be included in Australia’s Test squad for the series against the West Indies but looks likely to be consigned to the role of spare batter.

Renshaw’s versatility is understood to have helped him beat Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris of the three primary specialist openers who were pushing to face the Windies.

Originally published as Australia Test squad vs. West Indies: Cameron Green to return, Steve Smith likely opener, Matt Renshaw wins squad spot