With Australia’s World Cup campaign kicking off tonight, there is still one question that remains to be answered: which two batsmen will open for the Aussies?
It would be ludicrous to argue that skipper Aaron Finch will not occupy one of the opening spots, however, the other position is a two-man race between the red-hot Usman Khawaja and one of Australia’s previously preferred openers, ex-vice-captain David Warner.
Khawaja has been in stellar ODI form in 2019, averaging 59.15 with two centuries across 13 official matches (not including the warm-ups against New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka) to date. He also scored 89 in the Sri Lanka warm-up.
Likewise, Warner produced a dominant display in the IPL, averaging 69.2 and leading the run-scoring charts all while maintaining a strike rate of over 143.
It does seem as though Warner will be the preferred choice to join his captain in the opening spot. If this does turn out to be the case, this then begs the question, where does Khawaja bat?
The obvious choice would be at first drop before ex-captain Steve Smith, however, Khawaja’s form in the number three spot is much less flattering than that of his opening form. He’s averaged 38 when coming in at the fall of the first wicket.
Due to this conundrum, former Australian great Mark Taylor has suggested that Khawaja will be dropped to accommodate the return of Warner.
Khawaja would be very stiff to miss the team altogether, although this is a possibility as, if he gets pipped for the opening spot, he will be in a tight contest with Shaun Marsh for the number three position. Marsh has had a solid summer switching between the three and four, and has averaged 38.6 at number three and 60.5 at number four this year.
The second opener will depend on what Australian selectors value more: current ODI form, or recent IPL form coupled with a strong history opening in the national side.
At 10:30pm tonight, all will be revealed when Australia announce their playing XI. For now, here’s who the selectors will likely choose to face Afghanistan:
1. Aaron Finch (c)
2. David Warner
3. Usman Khawaja
4. Steve Smith
5. Glenn Maxwell
6. Marcus Stoinis
7. Alex Carey (vc, wk)
8. Mitchell Starc
9. Pat Cummins
10. Adam Zampa
11. Nathan Coulter-Nile/Nathan Lyon
Sam Woodfield
Roar Rookie
I tend to agree with most of that Ashton!
Sam Woodfield
Roar Rookie
I disagree with that, Finch is at his dangerous best opening
Asthon
Roar Rookie
Regardless of whether it’s Warner or khawaja, Marsh should not be in the playing 11. Current form is the most important factor for me. Marsh has been average in the last two series and his two warm games in England have both been pretty average for someone “suited” to English conditions. Similarly historical stats from 12 months ago or 5 years ago hardly relevant for current selection. Alas khawajas lower average at 3 when he played there 5 years ago in one-off games doesnt negate his current amazing form. Conversely, marshes average at no 3 in England 12 months ago doesn’t negate his current poor form
13th Man
Guest
It should be Warner and Khawaja but it won't be. Finch will definitely open and I'd expect that if Warner is fit itll be with him. Khawaja at 3 then is not ideal but I'll back him to do ok.
Tanmoy Kar
Guest
Any Australian team can win against Afghanistan. But I think Finch should meltdown his ego of opening and bat at No.4 after Smith and allow Warner and Khawaja to open.
Sam Woodfield
Roar Rookie
Yes the article is slightly outdated I think, but thanks for the feedback!
Andrew
Guest
I have a feeling it will be Finch and Warner opening and Smith at 3 with S Marsh at 4. I hope this is not the case as Khawaja has dominated with Finch opening and it would be a mistake to change it. Warner would be better suited coming in at 4 after Smith so he and Maxi could accelerate the back half of the innings. Finch Khawaja Smith Warner Maxwell Stoinis Carey Cummins Starc Zampa Lyon To me that is a solid balanced side that could go all the way.
Paul
Roar Guru
hi Sam, I think Cricket Australia might have rained on a good first article. I read this morning on their website, Warner's fit to go and Finch seemed to indicate he & Warner would open. The battle then became Khawaja versus Marsh, I assume for the number 3 spot, though it would make more sense to bat Smith at 3 where he's done so well and have one of the other guys at 4. As you said, we'll find out later tonight.
Spinosum
Roar Rookie
For all the hype please let us open with Finch & Uzzie. There's been too much speculation on Davy's current injury seemly forgetting his recent poor performances, give him a day off to run drinks. Please!