‘I hope they don't open with him’: Justin Langer doesn't want THIS batter to be David Warner's replacement in Tests

Former Australia coach Justin Langer hopes that the team management doesn't opt for Cameron Green as the opener to replace David Warner. Following Warner's retirement after the SCG Test, the Australian team management is in search of a successor. While players such as Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw are being considered, unconventional choices like Green and Steve Smith are also in contention.
 

Langer, in an interview with Perth radio station 6PR and as quoted by Fox Cricket, hopes that Green is not tasked with the opening role, emphasising that Green has never opened before. According to the former coach, Green's inclusion in discussions may be driven by the selectors' desire to integrate him into the team.

"I hope they don't open with him. He hasn't opened before," Langer said.

"The only reason he is in the discussion about it is that the Australian team and selectors obviously want to get him into the team. But sometimes you have to wait."

"He missed out with a slight hamstring issue in England and that opened the door for Mirch Marsh, who has done a great job ever since," said Langer.

The sooner Australia get a specialist opener, the better: Justin Langer

Langer expressed his belief that although Green and Smith have the potential to perform as openers, he emphasises the necessity of having a specialist in that role, particularly with the upcoming home series against India and the Ashes on the horizon.

"I believe you have to have a specialist opener. We tried this with Matthew Wade. We tried this with Aaron Finch, who selflessly did it for the team. And I am sure Cameron Green or Steve Smith might do that."

"But I believe with India coming over next year and then the Ashes in Australia, the sooner they get into a specialist opener, the better, because it is a very specialised position," said Langer.

(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)

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