Green and Smith leading race to replace Warner as Hayden reveals his call for next in line

Test opening great Matthew Hayden is adamant Australia should not move Steve Smith to the top of the order against the West Indies and believes Matt Renshaw should be appointed David Warner’s successor when selectors unveil a fresh Test squad on Wednesday.

Hayden was speaking as Cameron Bancroft’s hopes of a Test recall grow increasingly unlikely, with two non-specialist openers – Cameron Green and Smith – emerging as the frontrunners to partner Usman Khawaja following Warner’s farewell at the Sydney Cricket Ground last week.

As of Monday evening, sources close to the Australian team, who requested anonymity in order to speak freely, said a decision on Warner’s replacement and a new squad member would be made by Tuesday night.

Smith revealed after play on Friday at the SCG that he would be interested in opening the batting when Australia’s next Test begins on Wednesday week in Adelaide.

But the wisdom of such a move has been questioned by the likes of former Australian captain Ricky Ponting and Hayden’s long-time opening partner Justin Langer, who believe Smith is better off staying at No.4.

Captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald have also indicated they are not sold on the idea of moving Smith from second drop, where he has proved so valuable in recent years.

Steve Smith. Credit: Getty

Despite those misgivings, the option of Smith opening is being seriously weighed up by selectors, although Hayden said he thought after due consideration they would still rule it out.

“It’s just not going to happen in my opinion,” said Hayden, who averaged 50.73 from 103 Tests as an opener. “He’s commanded so much respect in the game that we should all listen to what he has to say, but I equally think that’s not the way the Australian cricket team management will go. It certainly doesn’t sound like the way Pat will go.

“I just can’t see how strategically that [Smith opening] is going to work for Cricket Australia. They will need someone more concrete than that.

“When you look at the success over the last two years of this Test team, it’s been based on a very solid foundation. It’s been such a key structure – that number one to four set in stone has been gold for Cricket Australia.

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden.Credit: Matt Roberts

“I feel it’s not the story. The story is who is going to be the next Australian opener that they’ll pick.”

According to Hayden, the man best equipped for the job would be Renshaw, especially given his age and ceiling.

Renshaw, who averages 29.31 from 14 Tests, is the youngest of the candidates currently outside the Test team and has received a glowing endorsement from his fellow Queenslander.

“David Warner has had his say in Marcus Harris and Ricky Ponting has had his say on record with [Cameron] Bancroft. I feel like a left-handed opener in Renshaw is that person with age on his side,” Hayden said. “He maybe doesn’t have the performances of Bancroft at first-class cricket but in many ways, I just feel like he has shown what he can potentially do, and he has that longevity.

“With a banker like Khawaja, given the form, maybe it’s time to look to the future and groom that individual. It’s a gut feel more than anything. Bancroft and Harris are a little older, and you could argue a little wiser but Renshaw gives you that youthful edge, and soon you’re going to have two new openers. I’d prefer to have one of them blooded now.

Matt Renshaw.Credit: Getty Images

“His last opportunity in India, for goodness sake, it was horrible batting conditions. Had he played in the final Test in Ahmedabad it could have been a different script before the World Test Championship final.

“It could be the golden ticket to get his confidence in Test cricket. No one is necessarily banging the door down.”

If the selectors do include Renshaw in an extended squad, they could still choose either Green or Smith to open in the first Test. However, sources close to the team, speaking anonymously due to the confidential nature of the discussions, said Renshaw was being primed to become Khawaja’s permanent replacement whenever he retires from Test cricket.

Bancroft’s name is being mentioned less the closer the announcement gets. If it is to be a Western Australian, Green seems to be the most likely.

Bancroft is the leading run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield, but his lower strike rate may prove a stumbling block for a re-entry to Test cricket for the first time since 2019.

Former Test skipper Michael Clarke, meanwhile, made the bold call on Monday that Smith would be the best opener in the world in 12 months’ time – and could break Brian Lara’s world record for the highest individual score in a Test – if he was moved up the order.

“If he wants to do it, I think they will allow him to do it,” Clarke said on ESPN’s Around the Wicket podcast.

“Listening to Patty Cummins’ quotes, I think it’s a simple swap. I think Cameron Green is going to come in to open the batting for David Warner unless Steve Smith wants to do it. If he does, they might go Steve Smith to open and Cam Green at No.4 or Green to No.6.

“He [Smith] is that good a player. It might be that challenge he’s looking for. If he opens, he will be the best opener within 12 months.

“Don’t be surprised if he breaks Brian Lara’s 400 record because he’s that good and now he’s got the whole day.”

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