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Opening batsman Marcus Harris has scored a much-needed century during Victoria’s XI warm up match against Pakistan in Melbourne.
Harris has been on the fringe of Test selection, with his timely ton coming on the eve of Australian opener David Warner’s retirement from Test cricket.
The 31-year-old scored 126 (off 131) on Saturday at the Junction Oval, headlined by 22 fours.
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Despite Harris’ positive innings, Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey remained coy on who he believes will replace Warner when the summer draws to a close, instead throwing up the likes of Cameron Bancroft and Mitch Marsh to fill the void.
“I think Cam’s (Bancroft) skillful enough to play in any position for his country,” Alex Carey told media at the MCG on Saturday.
“Again, probably like the Cameron and Mitch (Marsh) situation, it’s a great headache for Australian cricket to have.
“There’s so many amazing players around the country who are scoring runs.”
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Carey noted how many important and game-changing players are waiting in the wings to replace Warner.
“We’ve got a lot of great players around this group who could easily fit into the top six anywhere,” he said.
Despite Australian selectors and players already discussing who could be the new opener for the Test side, Carey was quick to remind everyone that Warner still has more to give.
“We’ve still got a couple more games of Davey, if it is the end of Davey,” Carey said.
“To celebrate that is probably what I’m more keen on, to celebrate an amazing cricketer in Davey, rather than get too hung up over who will fill his shoes.”
Australia face Pakistan in the second Test, kicking off on Boxing Day at the MCG.
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