Michael Clarke wants Matthew Wade to open: The former Australian captain has suggested an unusual opening option for Adelaide Test.
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Following injuries to David Warner and Will Pucovski, Australia’s opening conundrum has deepened to invite multiple opinions around who should open in the first Test against India in Adelaide.
If Pucovski doesn’t recover in time for the Adelaide Test, Australia will have the options of including a couple of batsmen as replacement for him and Warner.
ALSO READ: Who are the contenders to replace David Warner in pink-ball Adelaide Test vs India?
Opening batsman Joe Burns, who had opened the batting alongside Warner in Australia’s last Test, is also in contention but would be desperately looking to have some runs to his name in the second warm-up match against India A.
Michael Clarke wants Matthew Wade to open in Adelaide Test vs India
While former Australia wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist has lent support to Burns saying his opening position should be confirmed to ensure he bats without any pressure in the second warm-up game which will be played with a pink ball under lights.
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke, on the other hand, has been vocal about an unusual option of opening the batting with batsman Matthew Wade who had made his debut under Clarke and played another 10 Tests under him. Clarke, 39, said the same to create a middle-order spot for uncapped all-rounder Cameron Green.
Right now, the top three first-class batting averages among current Australians (min 20 inns) are:
Steve Smith 57.95
Cameron Green 54.58
Will Pucovski 53.78#AUSAvIND— Adam Burnett (@AdamBurnett09) December 7, 2020
“If you’re going to pick Cameron Green then you’ve got to find another spot for Wadey [Matthew Wade]. He’s got to be in that starting XI but again, that could be anywhere in that team. That could be opening the batting if need be. I think Wadey can do that,” Clarke was quoted as saying by AAP.
Wade, who top-scored in the recently concluded three-match T20I series, had scored consecutive half-centuries including a career-best 80 (53) in the third T20I in Sydney as an opening batsman. However, the 32-year old player has never batted above No. 5 in Test cricket.
