On Wednesday, January 3, in Sydney, the third and final Test match is scheduled to begin. For famous opener David Warner, this will be his last Test match. In Perth, Australia triumphed by 360 runs in the opening Test of a three-match Test series against Pakistan thanks to a precise performance. In the Boxing Day Test against the Asian giants in Melbourne on Friday, December 29, Pat Cummins and company claimed the series with a victory of 79 runs.
Warner’s possible replacement has been the subject of extensive discussion. Opening names that have been making the rounds include Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, and Marcus Harris. All-rounder Cameron Green, though, might be added in the middle order, and someone from the current squad could be moved to open with Usman Khawaja.
To choose the team for the third Test against Pakistan, the selectors will meet on Saturday, December 30. Only after the selectors have chosen the team for the forthcoming Test series against the West Indies will Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, decide who will replace David Warner.
“We’ll take into account every option. I then stated that we would wait to make a decision until the West Indies game, which is the deadline. Many alternatives are available. All of them are fully aware of their possibilities. I am the type of person who makes decisions when they are certain about the time they will be made. Discussions will be open until then. There will be a deadline for that. ESPNcricinfo cited McDonald as adding, “That’ll be the West Indies selection meeting.”
It’s highly appealing to have Mitchell Marsh and Green as the team’s other seam-bowling all-arounders. McDonald said that talks about using the top six batters and inserting Green in the middle order have taken place.
“Cameron Green, as a discussion around who are the best six batters, has definitely been in the conversation,” McDonald stated.
There shouldn’t be any significant changes to the Australian squad for the SCG Test, as all of the players are in generally good form and there are no obvious injury worries.
When Warner named his possible successor, Andrew McDonald said, “He was asked for his opinion and we’re happy with him to express that.”
David Warner was questioned recently about his possible successor. Marcus Harris was the first applicant chosen by the Southpaw. McDonald saw it differently than other former cricketers, who took issue with Warner selecting his Test replacement.
“Davey does not choose. It reminds me of the time when I believe Davey supported Matt Renshaw; therefore, I believe Cam Bancroft and Cameron Green will be the next to go. Regardless, it’s always positive when a teammate supports a teammate inside the team. It implies that they have most likely left out other players as well, but we’re glad he voiced his opinion because he was asked,” McDonald added.
It is anticipated that Warner will play for the Dubai Capitals in the second ILT20 season, skipping the white-ball phase of the West Indies series. McDonald stated that in order to play in the lucrative competition, the 37-year-old will apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Cricket Australia (CA). The former Australian all-rounder stated that it is crucial to evaluate the NOC standards on an individual basis.
“He’ll submit a NOC application. We work through it whenever it’s appropriate. Also visiting the UAE last year were Adam Zampa and Marcus Stoinis. He’ll definitely apply because each application is unique based on the specifics of the upcoming cricket season. That will be taken into account. Ben Oliver and George Bailey will resolve that, and a decision will be made,” McDonald stated.
“I believe Matthew Wade was also granted a notice of non-occlusion to miss an IPL match in Tasmania. “In my opinion, each case should be evaluated on its own,” he said.