Outgoing Australian opener David Warner has backed Marcus Harris to replace him as Australia’s number one opener. Warner will retire from International cricket after the Test against Pakistan at the SCG in January. A number of competitors are vying for Warner’s place, with three cricketers in the running: Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw.
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There have also been suggestions that one of Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, or Mitch Marsh could be shifted to opener, with allrounder Cameron Green set to return to the fold for two home Tests in January against West Indies. However, Warner has named Harris, who was part of Australia’s 2023 Ashes touring party, as his preferred candidate to replace him.
“It’s a tough one,” Warner said when asked who was next in line. “It’s obviously up to the selectors, but from my position, it’s whoever worked their backside off and has been there for a while in the background.
“I think Harry [Harris] has been that person who is going to have that chance. He got a hundred the other day [in a tour match against Pakistan]. He missed out in a couple of other games, but he’s always been that person who was next in line.
“So if the selectors show their faith in him, then I’m sure he’ll come out and play the way he does. He’s not too dissimilar to me. If he sees it in his areas, he goes for it and plays his shots. I think he would fit well,” Warner added.