Matthew Hayden wants both Joe Burns and Cameron Bancroft to be part of Australian Test team
Former Australian opening batsman Matthew Hayden has called for the inclusion of both Joe Burns and Cameron Bancroft in the Test team, Cricket Australia’s official website reports. The pair has been talked about as possible replacements for the recently retired Chris Rogers, but Hayden believes both deserve an equal chance.
Burns has already played two Tests for Australia, batting at No. 6, but with opening partnerships of 139 & 70 with David Warner in his first two ODIs, has led to his name being touted around as future Test opener. Adam Gilchrist, however, had offered his backing to Bancroft for the role.
“He’s been selected in the Australia A team, which is usually an acknowledgement that you are in contention,” Gilchrist told The West Australian.“Not only that, but he went away and scored some big runs. That’s what has been lacking at the top of the order consistently. Particularly now that the most consistent has just left in Rogers.”]
Hayden though feels there is a way the selectors can accommodate both the promising youngsters in the same team, with the batting legend favouring Burns ahead of another Test prospect Usman Khawaja.
“Joe Burns, he’s probably more of a long-term No.3. I don’t think Steve Smith is a long-term No. 3,” Hayden told News Corp. “You’re looking for an opener and No. 3 in my book. That would probably allow both of those names (Burns and Bancroft) to have a role to play with the new side. You could have Burns or Khawaja (at No. 3). Both are good players. I think Joe Burns has probably earned his spot.”
“I guess it hasn’t really been thought of it in this way (with Burns at No. 3). “That would leave you Warner and Bancroft to open, Burns at three, Smith at four, Adam Voges and all-rounder, wicketkeeper. That has a pretty good feel to it I reckon.”
David Warner, who formed a hugely successful opening partnership with Chris Rogers over the past two years, however, feels that whoever is chosen as his next partner will have big shoes to fill.
“It doesn't matter who you are, whoever the next person is who comes in the team, they have to feel the right to say something to me as well,” Warner said. “Because at the end of the day sometimes you can go away from your game - and that player will, as I do, have to try and watch their game and learn their game.”