NEWS
Follow UsThe next Test against Pakistan in Sydney is going to be David Warner’s last hurray in Test cricket, with Australia entering a new era of transition. When Warner was asked who he would prefer as his replacement, the southpaw suggested the name of Marcus Harris, who has already represented Australia in 14 Tests, averaging a paltry 25.29. However, he remains a consistent run-scorer in domestic cricket, with over 10,000 runs in first-class cricket.
However, Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald didn’t buy into that and stated that they haven’t finalised any name and that the revelation will only happen before the first Test against West Indies.
"All options will be considered," McDonald said. "And I said we're not going to make the decision until the deadline which will be the West Indies game.
"There's a few options. Everyone is well aware of the options. I'm a person who, once you know when you're going to make the decision, you make it at that point in time. Until then, the discussions will be open. We'll put a deadline on that. That'll be the West Indies selection meeting. Cameron Green, as a discussion around who are the best six batters, has definitely been in the conversation," McDonald added.
"Davey's not a selector. And I remember back to when I think Davey endorsed Matt Renshaw, so I think the next one will probably be Cam Bancroft and then Cameron Green and he'll have all bases covered, but...it's great when a fellow player endorses someone else internally. It means that they've probably excluded other players as well, but he was asked his opinion and we're happy with him to express that."
Warner has decided to maximize his availability for the T20 around the world and as a step in that direction, he has decided to take a break from the white-ball series against West Indies in January so as to make sure that he is available for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 that runs from January 20 to February 18. The white-ball leg of the Australia-West Indies will be played between February 2 and 13, in which both sides will engage in three ODIs and as many T20Is.
"He'll apply for an NOC," McDonald said. "It's something that we work through any time it's in season. Adam Zampa and Marcus Stoinis went to the UAE last year as well. So every application is different in terms of the circumstances with what cricket they've got coming up, so I'm sure he'll apply. It'll be considered. George Bailey and Ben Oliver will work through that and there will be an outcome.
"I think Matthew Wade was given an NOC to miss a Tasmania game for the IPL as well. I think every case should be considered individually."
