AUS vs IND: Michael Clarke backs Matthew Wade as makeshift opener
Matthew Wade can be a makeshift opener in an injury-hit Australia squad for the first Test against India, feels former captain Clarke.
Published : Dec 10, 2020 12:11 IST
Former captain Michael Clarke believes in-form wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade can be a makeshift opener in an injury-hit Australia squad for the first Test against India.
Australia is grappling with injury issues ahead of the day-night Test. David Warner has been ruled out due to a groin injury, while Will Pucovski, who was considered a sure-short selection for the opening Test, is now a doubtful starter after having suffered a concussion in a warm-up game against India ‘A’ in Sydney.
Joe Burns’ awful run of form has only added to the list of worries for the selectors.
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With Cameron Green making a case for his selection with a hundred against India ‘A’, Clarke feels in that case Wade should be pushed up the batting order.
“If you’re going to pick (all-rounder) Cameron Green then you’ve got to find another spot for Wadey ,” Clarke told AAP .
“He’s got to be in that starting XI but that could be anywhere in that team. That could be opening the batting if need be. I think Wadey can do that.”
Wade smashed back-to-back fifties in the last two T20Is against India. He has never batted higher than No. 5 in Tests, though he did open for Australia in 10 ODIs, averaging 30.60 with a highest score of 75.