Australia’s experienced opening batsman David Warner will retire from Test cricket in January next year as per his earlier announcement. The third match of the Test series against the Pakistan team to be played at Sydney Cricket Ground will be his last match.

David Warner will Retire from Test cricket in January

Warner has carried the burden of Australia’s batting on his shoulders for years. His departure will definitely leave a big void in the team, which will be difficult to fill.

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No one will be directly fielded as an opening batsman – McDonald

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has indicated that filling Warner’s shoes will indeed be quite a challenge.

He said, “Australia has no dearth of capable players and we will try to fill their places as per proper strategy. No batsman can be fielded directly as an opener.”

It is widely believed that Warner’s replacement will be one of Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris or Matt Renshaw.

All our players have the ability to adapt and be successful

McDonald said, “We have seen this happening before in Australian cricket. David Boon came to open from third. Justin Langer came to open from third. Similarly, Shane Watson came to open from sixth.”
He further said, “All our players have the ability to adapt and be successful. Warner is expected to be given his farewell Test series against Pakistan. However, his selection is still to be considered.”

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What did the coach say about Cameron Green?

Responding to a question about Cameron Green’s future in the Test team, McDonald said, “He has batted at number six for most of his Test career. In domestic cricket, he bats at number four and in the Sheffield Shield he averages 50.” There’s always the idea that you want to potentially see your best six batsmen in their best form.”

What did McDonald’s say about the change in the batting order?

McDonald said, “If any batsman is moved to a new position for the Test series against the West Indies cricket team in January, the likely and easiest option would be Marnus Labuschagne. He would have to move up one place, followed by Steve Smith at no. Will return to No. 3. After this, there could be a promotion for Travis Head. However, he has been so destructive at No. 5 that it will be a challenge to tamper with his position.”

A look at Warner’s Test cricket career

• 27-year-old Warner has played a total of 109 matches so far in his Test cricket career.
• Batting in 199 innings, he has scored 8,487 runs at an average of 44.43 and a strike rate of 70.37.
• He has scored 25 centuries and 36 half-centuries in this format with the highest score of 335* runs.
• Warner is Australia’s 7th highest run-scorer in Test cricket. Former captain Ricky Ponting (13,378) is at number one.