Australia is set to face a significant challenge in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, with the absence of David Warner's dynamic approach as an opening batsman. The five-Test series will be crucial for Australia's campaign in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. David Warner's retirement from international cricket following Australia's home series win against Pakistan earlier this year left a void at the top of the batting order. Steve Smith, who stepped up to open the innings, struggled to replicate his success from the middle order. Australia's batting great Matthew Hayden expressed concerns about Australia's vulnerable opening slot in the absence of David Warner. Hayden emphasized the impact Warner's aggressive style had on the team's approach.
Matthew Hayden on David Warner's absence in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
"David Warner gave a great service to Australian cricket. He was extremely competitive, wonderfully dynamic. He really took that legacy that I'd created through the 2000s. His strike rates in excess of 80 (70.19) gave great momentum to the top order which, otherwise, is quite conservative. So I think he's an enormous loss in terms of how do you replace them" Hayden told reporters during CEAT Cricket Rating Awards function.
Hayden Critiques Smith's Opening Role
Hayden also opposed the idea of Steve Smith's role as an opener in Test cricket. In his eight innings as an opener, Smith's average of 28.50 is significantly lower compared to his averages at numbers three, four, and five. This suggests that Smith's strengths lie in the middle order, and his opening struggles indicate that he may not be the ideal fit for that position.
"Steve Smith averages 65 (56.97 and has 30 (32) Test match hundreds. You know the role of an opening batsman compared to a middle-order batsman is very different. It didn't take long to discover that [in New Zealand earlier in the year when Smith as an opener was not exactly a success]. I said at the time that I didn't like the change. I think it's crazy to think that you have the world's best-in-class batter in a certain position. And then you change to a completely different position" Hayden added.
Hayden anticipates thrilling Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Hayden expressed his belief that the five-match Test series against India will be far more exciting than a three or four-match series. The decision to extend the series was made earlier this year, with Australia touring India for the first two Tests. The series will kick off in Australia on November 22 in Perth, followed by a Day/Night Test in Adelaide on December 6. Brisbane will host the third Test on December 14, while the MCG and SCG will host the fourth and fifth Tests on December 26 and January 3, respectively. India have enjoyed success in their last two Test series in Australia. However, Australia have not won a home Test series against India in over a decade, with their last victory coming in the 2014/15 series.
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