Former Australian coach Justin Langer is not in favor of Cameron Green opening the innings for Australia in Tests. He hoped that the selectors would not pressure all-rounders to open and should get a specialist opener alongside Usman Khawaja.
David Warner’s retirement from Tests has left a huge void in the Australian team, especially in the team’s longest format. One of the major questions that has been bothering everyone is who will open the innings for the team in the format, especially with India and England scheduled to tour Australia.
There have been several rumors that have suggested that Australia He could try to open with Cameron Green in the Tests. The all-rounder has been on the sidelines since Mitchell Marsh returned to the team and the team management is tempted to include Green in the XI.
Cameron Green has not opened the innings in Tests but has played the role in the white-ball format. However, opening against the red ball is the most difficult task and the all-rounder will not find it easy, especially in the Australian conditions where the new balls move a lot from the start.
Justin Langer pointed out that Cameron Green has not opened before and it will not be a good decision to cast him in the role. He revealed that the selectors are keen to bring him into the team but the need of the hour for the team is a specialist opener.
Justin Langer highlighted that Australia tried to open with Matthew Wade and Aaron Finch, which did not work and they should not repeat the same mistake. He also stated that even Steve Smith might not be suitable for the position. Speaking to Perth radio station 6PR, he explained:
“I hope they don’t open with him. It hasn’t opened before. The only reason he is in the discussion about it is because the Australian team and the selectors obviously want to get him into the team. But sometimes you have to wait. I think you have to have a specialist opener.
“We tried this with Matthew Wade. We tried it with Aaron Finch, who did it selflessly for the team. And I’m sure Cameron Green or Steve Smith could do it. But I think with India coming up next year and then the Ashes in Australia, the sooner they get into a specialist opener the better, because it’s a very specialist position.”
Cameron Green has played 24 Tests so far and has batted in the middle order in all those games. He has scored 1075 runs at an average of 33.59 to complete one century and six and a half centuries. Recently, Steve Smith also expressed his desire to open for Australia.
The hardest part of being Australia coach was being a coach – Justin Langer
Justin Langer further stated that when he was the head coach of the team, the most difficult part of his job was choosing the team. He highlighted the problems one faces as a coach and explained:
“The most difficult part of being coach of Australia was being a selector because, first, you can’t score 12, 13 or 14 in 11. It’s impossible. And two, if I pick Cameron Bancroft, the Vics will say, “That’s rubbish.” You should have chosen Harris. And if they elect Bancroft or Harris, Queenslanders will say: “That’s nonsense.” You should have chosen Renshaw. Fortunately I don’t have to worry about that anymore.”
Australia has specialist openers such as Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw and Cameron Bancroft in the ranks. It remains to be seen who will take David Warner’s place on the team. They recently crushed Pakistan 3-0 and will next be seen in action against the West Indies.
