Australia's selections are approaching the big day. David Warner's retirement date is drawing near. On January 17, they play their first Test match since the Warner era will begin. Until then, there won't be any first-class cricket to inform decisions on Usman Khawaja's opening partner. It's a complex topic that has been brewing for a while. When asked who should take over for him in July, Warner personally praised Matt Renshaw's qualifications. Then, in Boxing Day Test, he anointed Marcus Harris.
Cameron Bancroft has the backing of Ricky Ponting. Michael Hussey has said that Sheffield Shield form should be rewarded and that it should be completed by a professional. In an attempt to further confuse matters, coach and selector Andrew McDonald floated the idea of rearranging the batting order, maybe pushing Cameron Green into the middle order and Marnus Labuschagne up to the opening position.