Twin failures of Australia’s under-fire openers expose the dire need of David Warner’s quick recall

For all the speculation over how David Warner might fit back into team culture, the biggest obstacle was whether other openers stood up to be counted in his absence. They haven’t, writes Ben Horne.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 17: Australian Cricketer David Warner poses during the Australian Cricket Team ASICS Kit Launch at Carriageworks on October 17, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

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David Warner didn’t pick up his bat on Friday, but still put forward a strong case for an instant Test recall.

For all the speculation over how the disgraced vice-captain might fit back into team culture, the biggest obstacle to an international return was always going to be whether other openers stood up to be counted in his absence.

A breakout summer for Aaron Finch or Marcus Harris would have provided selectors with a tangible reason to leave Warner out in the wilderness if they were looking for one, and move forward with new faces to go with a new culture.

Banned Australian cricketer David Warner’s stocks have risen without his direct input. Picture: Getty

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However, Friday’s crushing collapse at the MCG made the case for rushing back Warner and Steve Smith the moment their bans expire look more like a necessity than an agonising choice.

Finch and Harris both have another crack on Saturday on the back of Pat Cummins’ herculean effort on day three, but time is fast running out for the unproven opening pair, or for almost any member of the current top six to cement their Test futures.

Usman Khawaja is the only Australian to have made a century in eight and a half Test matches since last summer’s Ashes and is the only batsman who has earned the right for a sustained run.

To compound the problem, there are virtually zero replacement options with form on the board — who aren’t currently suspended.

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Aaron Finch and Marcus Harris are under pressure after mediocre performances this series. Picture: Getty

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“Runs in Test cricket are based on defensive shape and we saw it again today that when Australians try and defend they make mistakes,” said Kerry O’Keeffe on Fox’s Cricket 360.

“Usman Khawaja, our No.3 he pushes across the line of the ball with his hands. He doesn’t use his shoulder and elbow at all.

“Mitchell Marsh turns the bat face. Aaron Finch plays out in front of his pads. Marcus Harris has a lot of upside but look at Pujara. Put away the pull shot the whole day. These are lessons we have to learn quickly at Test cricket or your opportunity will be denied.”

Finch graciously declared two nights ago that Warner would be welcomed straight back into the dressing room in April, but the reality is that could be at his own expense.

Harris and Finch set a strong platform in Perth, but in Melbourne their poor shot selection set the tone for a dismal batting effort that ranks as Australia’s worst on home soil since the Hobart Test of 2016-17 which was pinned by Smith as the start of the cultural decline.

Aaron Finch has had technical flaws exposed by India. Picture: Getty

There’s been more rapid capitulations over the past few years, but Australia’s crisis of confidence and aptitude facing the scoreboard pressure of India’s 443, was a chastening failure as they were skittled for just 151.

Although that was before Cummins did his best to claw Australia back from the dead.

After being hit in the head twice in two Test matches, it’s clear that the plucky Harris will be a target for fast bowlers and with the likes of Matthew Renshaw and — as of Sunday Cameron Bancroft — lurking, he won’t have much longer to find his feet if he doesn’t score big in the second innings.

Finch has largely struggled to assert himself against the new ball, although he looked his best in the second innings in Perth when he was forced to retire hurt with a nasty finger injury which exposed bone.

Former Test opener Ed Cowan said before the first Test that Australia was setting Finch up to fail by picking him at the top of the order and not the middle.

Saturday is another judgement day for Finch.

Dumped Test opener Matthew Renshaw could be waiting in the wings for a recall. Picture: Getty

In the past decade since Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden finished up as a partnership, Australian selectors have chopped and changed its openers a whopping 26 times.

Warner’s form in grade cricket and in Twenty20 leagues around the world was never going to be a deciding factor in whether he played international cricket again, because his body of work at the top level already spoke for itself.

Not picking him again would be for other reasons.

But as more of an endorsement of his insatiable hunger and determination for redemption than anything else, Warner is the top run-scorer in Sydney Premier cricket with over 700 runs including to 150s.

Just like Warner has gained from staying silent in the media this week, his stakes continue to rise the longer he doesn’t bat.

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Originally published as Twin failures of Australia’s under-fire openers expose the dire need of David Warner’s quick recall