Cummins doesn't want changes in Aussie batting order

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."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store