David Warner strongly supports Marcus Harris to replace him as the next Test opener for Australia. This endorsement comes after a day where Warner and Usman Khawaja, who are specialists in opening, demonstrated the importance of their roles by forming a solid 90-run partnership in challenging conditions against Pakistan.
Warner and Khawaja batted through the entire opening session, having been sent in by Pakistan captain Shan Masood on an MCG pitch that had plenty of live green grass. Their partnership played a crucial role, helping Australia reach 187 for three at stumps, even though rain caused a loss of 24 overs.
The discussion about who should take over from Warner after he retires from the format, at the end of the series, has been an ongoing topic. Former Australian batter Michael Hussey has contributed to the conversation by expressing a preference for a specialist to handle the role.
"It's a tough one," Warner said. “It's obviously up to the selectors. But from my position, I feel like the person who's worked their backside off and has been there for a while in the background, I think Harry's been that person. He's toured, he's going to have that chance. He scored a hundred the other day [for a Victoria XI vs the Pakistanis].”
"He missed out in a couple other games but he's always been that person who was next in line. If the selectors show faith in him, then I'm sure he'll come out and play the way he does. It's not too dissimilar to me. If he sees it in his areas, he goes for it, plays his shots, and I think he would fit well”, he added.
In July, Warner was questioned about his successor, and he spoke highly of Matt Renshaw's qualifications. He also noted that Harris had the "front-row seat" as the touring reserve during the Ashes.
However, following a gritty innings of 38 from 83 balls in a crucial 90-run opening partnership, which involved surviving a dropped catch in slip cordon by Abdullah Shafique off Shaheen Shah Afridi, Warner gave his approval for Harris to be his successor once he retires in Sydney.
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