Cricket

Ashes 2023: Labuschagne could open, Smithy could go to No. 3, and Head to No. 4 – Michael Clarke questions David Warner’s place

Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke wants the visitors to drop under-fire David Warner for the fourth Ashes Test match against England and retain Mitchell Marsh in the playing XI. With Cameron Green expected to be fit for the penultimate Test match, Marsh could lose out his place in the final XI despite scoring a fine century in the third Test at Leeds, Headingley, which Australia lost by three wickets.

Meanwhile, David Warner could only return with scores of 1 and 4 in the third Test match and England veteran pacer Stuart Broad continued his supremacy against the Australian opener, dismissing him for the 17th time in Test cricket in the second innings.

Warner has scored 141 runs in three Test matches at an average of 23.50 in the ongoing Ashes against England. Broad has consistently troubled him from the around-the-wicket angle and Clarke wants Australia to rejig their batting order.

Michael Clarke said on Sky Sports Cricket: “Tell me what they do now … The No.1 issue is you’ve stuck with Warner, given him every opportunity, and (Stuart) Broad’s still got his number. Is it time? If it’s time, I wouldn’t even be thinking about who opens the batting because you’ve got options.”

“I reckon Mitch Marsh is in form. If he had to do it, he could do it. Alex Carey probably won’t because he’s got to keep, but Travis Head could do it. Marnus Labuschagne isn’t making as many runs as he should at No.3. He could open, Smithy could go to No.3 and Head to No.4 (with Marsh and Green No.5 and No.6).”

Clarke added Australia should only think about playing Cameron Green if he is ready to bowl his overs.

“The thing you’ve got to think about first is is David Warner’s time up? And the other thing, if you’re going to bring Cameron Green back in, is he 100 percent fit to bowl the overs he needs to bowl? I think they should either stick with Warner or play with the batting order and keep Mitch Marsh,” Clarke said.

The fourth Ashes Test will be played at Old Trafford from 19th July onwards.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Ravi Shastri says opening Test loss against England is a tough pill to swallow for India

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes the opening Test loss against England is a… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says England batters’ approach made Jasprit Bumrah desperate for wickets in 2nd innings of 1st Test

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes England batters were able to find a way… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says Karun Nair will be disappointed with his opening Test performance against England

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes Karun Nair will be disappointed after he failed… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron criticizes Ravindra Jadeja’s performance in ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron slammed Ravindra Jadeja’s performance in the opening Test match… Read More

June 26, 2025

Greg Chappell hails Rishabh Pant after ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test, says he is reinventing the game

Former Australian batter Greg Chappell has lavished praise on Rishabh Pant after the opening Test… Read More

June 26, 2025

Geoffrey Boycott slams Yashasvi Jaiswal for dropping catches in ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test

Former England opener Sir Geoffrey Boycott criticized Yashasvi Jaiswal for dropping catches in the opening… Read More

June 26, 2025