Sheffield Shield Talking Points: WA on a roll, Bancroft vs Renshaw for Warner's spot and bumbling Blues sink into abyss
Western Australia are showing no signs of letting up as the double defending champions have flexed their muscles in the opening three rounds of…
The more closer we get to the selection call – the more i feel that it ain’t going to be anyone of the specialist trio. “Picking your best 6 batsmen” , the suggestion that Green might open and now this statement from Smudge all point to that fact. I somehow feel the selectors do not like any of the 3 specialist options – so much for FC cricket !!!
Having said that the Smith move up top is not as bad as some might feel. Yes it will be a colossal change to the order but it might have some merits as well. Firstly Smith is equipped to play the new ball with all his experience and batsmanship. Most importantly he is not averse to opening – Green might be a reluctant opener- and this challenge will invigorate him and the last part of his career.
Secondly if Green does then slot in at #4 – it beautifully sets up the long term middle order of Marnus , Green and Head at 3-4-5. Green is not a permanent or long term opening option so why not bring him in at the position where he is likely to bat multiple years in his career.
The thing would then be to plan out the replacements of Uzzie and Smith – and you just hope that WillP is ready by the time Uzzie hangs up his boots. Clearly he and Green were the two undisputed rising talents till few years ago
Every Australian Test opener option, ranked: Why sending Smith up is a recipe for disaster