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Dreading the breakup of his opening partnership with Chris Rogers, David Warner hopes selectors next look to the future.
Rogers and Warner’s partnerships have tallied 1994 runs, making them Australia’s fourth most productive Test opening pair.
Rogers is yet to confirm his retirement, but the expectation is the fifth Ashes Test will be his swansong.
Finding a replacement for the 37-year-old, the side’s leading run-scorer in the Ashes, will be among selectors’ top priorities.
Warner threw up Usman Khawaja, Joe Burns and Cameron Bancroft as three contenders.
“Uzzie and Joe have been around the international circuit … so hopefully they get another go,” Warner said.
“There are a few names that are going to be brought up.
“You heard Ricky Ponting mention the other day – Usman Khawaja, Bancroft scored a great hundred the other day in Indian conditions.”
Warner’s yin-and-yang pairing with Rogers has been one of the side’s success stories in recent years, the pugnacious and patient approaches complementing each other.
Warner all but confirmed Rogers was set to call it quits after the clash at the Oval, which starts on August 20.
“He leaves this international game and I hope he goes another year or two either in county cricket or back home,” he said, pointing to Rogers’ 73 first-class tons.
“It’s an amazing achievement by anyone and I don’t think he gets as much credit as he deserves.
“We’ve come a long way and we’ve shared a great bond together out in the middle. I’ve loved every single minute batting together out there.”
There’s likely to be a couple of baggy greens handed out during the tour of Bangladesh in October, with the side in a state of flux.
Warner and Steve Smith are the only batsmen to command a place in the XI as it stands.
The 28-year-old suggested Australia A’s recent success in India filled him with confidence about the next generation.
“You’re either ready or you’re not,” Warner said.
“Those players have been prepped.
“They’ve been in and around the environment before. It’s going to be exciting.”
Chris Rogers’ likely replacements at the top of the order
Usman Khawaja
A serious knee injury ruined his hopes of playing in the Ashes, but expected to add to his nine Tests in October. Opened the batting and captained Australia A in recent first-class games, suggesting he may be the frontrunner.
Joe Burns
Was a touch unlucky to miss out on a berth in the Ashes squad, having played Tests at the MCG and SCG last summer. Was used at No.6 in those games, but more comfortable opening the batting for Queensland.
Cameron Bancroft
Batted for over 13 hours to score 211 against NSW during the 2014-15 Sheffield Shield season. Selectors don’t have a like-for-like replacement for Rogers, but the would-be debutant’s caution could work well with Warner.
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