‘No blanket rule’ - Pat Cummins feels David Warner’s replacement need not be a specialist opener

Ever since David Warner has announced his decision to retire from Test cricket, there have been a lot of discussions regarding his potential successor. Marcus Harris was called up for the Ashes Tour while Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw remain the two other options. Interestingly, ahead of the three-match series against Pakistan, head coach Andrew McDonald indicated that Cameron Green can be sent to open, even as he is currently out of the mix after losing his place to Mitchell Marsh.

Speaking about the entire development, Australia skipper Pat Cummins stated that he will have no issues if the selectors don’t pick a specialist opener in the upcoming series against the West Indies. The 30-year-old reminded that Usman Khawaja was not a specialist opener when he started and expects others to adapt if given the chance. 

“Uzzy (Usman Khawaja) wasn’t a specialist (opener) until it was basically the only spot available in the team and he forced his way in. Ideally, you’ve got someone who’s had experience opening, but I don’t think it’s a blanket rule. I think every case is different," he was quoted by The West Australian.

“If someone’s been picked in the side as an opener, but their record’s not great, you feel probably feel more of a chance (to get their wicket), rather than if you’re picking their best batter. I don’t think it’s a big deal. It’s just a batting position, everyone chops and changes around a little bit,” Cummins added.

Cummins keeps the door open for Warner’s return

Cummins also indicated the return of David Warner to Test cricket. Notably, the southpaw will be playing his final red-ball game against Pakistan, which is slated to begin on January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Ahead of that, the Australian skipper mentioned that it is time to give others a chance in the longest format but if required he will dial Warner’s number.

“It’s probably time to give some others a crack. But knowing he is still going to be playing cricket, it might be more of a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option. He’s going to be scoring runs somewhere in the world, so you never know,” Cummins said.