2 weeks Ago By Justin Langer
There’s presently much ado about Australia’s opening position — and so there should be. Like the concrete foundations of a house, the opening batters, and I would add the number three, are the players who set the scene for an inning’s success. Those in the “top three brigade” often laugh that they are the bricklayers and concreters, while those in the middle order are the interior designers and garden planners.
They make the score look pretty after the hard work has been done. Hours of laughter and friendly debate have never settled that argument, just as the banter between batters and bowlers, and who wins more games, has never reached a substantiated conclusion ..
. not in my time, anyway. That said, I firmly believe those who bat in the top three can bat anywhere in the order.
For those who don’t, adaptability is not as easy. On November 22, when an opening position is now available for The West Test at Optus Stadium, the Australian selectors will think long and hard about Usman Khawaja’s new partner. So who will they choose? Justin Langer Justin Langer There is no simple solution and I don’t envy them.
I have been there and done that. Cam Bancroft is the one for me. In saying that, I will add a caveat — I am a West Australian, as is he.
I have coached him collectively and personally over time. His attitude is world-class, as is his work ethic. And I know he is an outstanding fielder, which should always be considered, especially in the slips or under the helmet with our elite bowling attack.
Admittedly, he hasn’t made any runs yet this season so he knows, like all the contenders, that this upcoming Australia A game on Thursday is a golden opportunity to rip the mantle from the others. Then there’s Marcus Harris — the little left-hander. He continues scoring runs and is a popular, no-fuss team member.
The boys love him. He’s a Victorian, so the Vics will sing for him, as the West Australians will for Cameron Bancroft. He is not as good a fielder as Bancroft and bats half of the season at the flat Junction Oval, which isn’t his fault.
It just is as it is. But he knows how to make runs and the selectors know that. The ”kid” Sam Konstas made a century in both innings in the first Sheffield Shield game of the season.
The trumpets were out and deservedly so. Caveats included — my great mate, Shane Watson, is Sam’s mentor and has endorsed him. So he should.
He is his boy. I absolutely get it. Having watched Konstas play, he reminds me a little of Will Pucovski.
His technique is simple. He stands still at the crease and has an appetite for runs. These are good traits for any batsman.
Current NSW coach Greg Shipperd — whose opinion I rate very highly — tells me he is a natural talent. But selectors must consider whether the time is right to bring in Konstas now. At 19-years-old he has time on his side.
If he is the best of the lot, he should be selected. Age should be no barrier, but the selectors have another consideration if they select the teenager for the first test. Usman Khawaja is 38-years-old.
As good a form as he has been in, he won’t be around forever. Test cricket doesn’t get any easier as you enter the twilight of your career. If Konstas joins the team now, a new partner must be found when Khawaja finishes up.
This may or may not be problematic down the track. Do you blood the youngster now, or give one of the more seasoned players a chance to settle in these big series against India and then England next summer? It’s a tough choice. Queenslander Nathan McSweeney, who now captains South Australia, has been mentioned.
He is a gun bloke, a gun fielder, and is building his pile of runs. There is much to like about him. Unfortunately, he isn’t an opening batsman.
Nor is Josh Inglis, a supremely gifted player and equally impressive person. He was ruled out by George Bailey on Monday, but I would love nothing more than to see him in the Test team in the future — but not as an opening batsman. His best chance is if he overtakes the well-secured Alex Carey as the wicketkeeper or if there’s a spot up for grabs in the middle order.
Makeshift openers haven’t worked in recent history. The best player of this generation, Steve Smith, is moving back to number four, where he has been prolific for years. Matthew Wade admirably put his hand up to open for the team the last time India were in Australia.
His selfless act proved to be a short-term hold. Aaron Finch earned his baggy green as an opener when he would have been better suited to batting in the middle order. He had a crack, but opening in white ball cricket is very different than walking into a new ball in Test cricket.
As the pragmatist he is, Australia’s former white-ball captain will be the first to tell you that. Having been in the shoes of the selectors and having been a part of the decision-making on Wade and Finch, I understand the various layers that go into such outcomes. But from those lessons, I hope the selectors choose a specialist opener.
Sam Whiteman, West Australia’s captain, scores hundreds opening the batting in big games and when under pressure, yet his name is hardly mentioned. Maybe it should be? All I know is that openers must want to do the job because it is not for the faint of heart. It is not an easy role, but it is crucial.
Ten years ago, Phil Hughes tragically left the world, doing what he loved the most — opening the batting. He is missed terribly for so many reasons. By now, he may have played 100 Test matches, but it is a timely reminder that the selectors should settle on a specialist for that position.
This Thursday, the shootout begins with Australia A. It could come down to who makes the most runs in this game. I doubt the selectors will say that, but it might be that simple.
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