Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Scott Bailey

Cummins doesn't want changes in Aussie batting order

Cameron Green looks to be well in the frame for a Test recall as an opener. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

Captain Pat Cummins has warned selectors against a significant upheaval of Australia's Test batting order, but says the man who replaces David Warner need not be a specialist opener.

Selectors will meet in the coming days to make a final call on Warner's replacement, after the sun finally set on the opener's 112-Test career on Saturday.

A call will officially be made as early as Tuesday, before players return to camp next Saturday in Adelaide ahead of the January 17 Test against West Indies.

Up to eight players have now been floated as options to replace Warner, with Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw the form openers in the Sheffield Shield.

Steve Smith has become the latest man to put his hand up for the job in recent days, while Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head and Mitch Marsh have also been mentioned.

But if Cummins has his way, it won't be any of the current Test batsmen.

"I'm pretty happy with (Smith)'s output at No.4," Cummins said.

"Obviously Marnus, Smudge (Smith), Trav and Marsh have been pretty impressive at No.3, No.4, No.5 and No.6. 

"So first instinct isn't probably to disrupt that." 

Cummins is, however, adamant that picking Australia's best six batsmen is more important than picking a specialist opener.

That could likely leave Cameron Green as the preferred option, with Australia keen to get the allrounder back in the side.

Working in Green's favour is he also can put the pressure back on the opposition with attacking cricket, something Australia will miss with Warner.

"It's obviously going to be really hard to replicate Davey and what he's brought to it," Cummins said. 

"I think you look for who is best place to score runs really. 

"But I think in Test cricket, there are some things that remain true. And that is you've got to be putting the pressure on the opposition. 

"You've got to be ticking over the scoreboard. Not always, but most of the time, you've got to keep the scoreboard moving along. 

"They're considerations. But realistically, if anyone's scoring runs in Shield cricket, it's probably a good sign they can do that in the next level, too."

Warner also backed the call that his replacement does not necessarily have to be a specialist opener.

"I wasn't an opener. I had to learn on the run," he said. 

"It was challenging, but I think from my perspective, my game is to be attacking and my defence takes care of itself. 

"A traditional opener will go out there and look to leave length, play the ball on its merit, probably not be as aggressive. 

"Can you develop as a batsman if you've not opened? I think you can. At this level you'll adjust."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.