Clarke Calls for Specialist Opener Over Inglis for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has urged selectors to choose a specialist opener to partner Usman Khawaja for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, dismissing the idea of using wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis to fill the role.

Inglis, who has drawn attention after scoring consecutive centuries in the Sheffield Shield, has been floated as a potential replacement for the injured Cameron Green in Australia’s Test XI. New South Wales coach Greg Shipperd even likened him to a “right-handed version of David Warner.” However, Clarke rejected the suggestion, arguing that a middle-order batsman like Inglis is not suitable to open against India’s formidable bowling attack.

“We made a mistake in getting Steve Smith to open the batting in Test cricket, so let’s not make the same mistake. Let’s pick a specialist opener, whoever is best equipped,” Clarke said on Sky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast.

Clarke questioned the logic of using Inglis, emphasizing the importance of selecting players based on their suitability for the position. “How can you justify Josh Inglis is a better person to open the batting in a Test match against this Indian attack than a specialist opener? He scored Shield runs, yes, but he bats in the middle order,” he said.

Clarke also downplayed the significance of recent performances in the Sheffield Shield, stating that Australia’s best options for openers are struggling in challenging conditions. “It’s not just about who’s making runs right here, right now. That is not how you select an Australian cricket team. The problem they have at the moment is the top three contenders who are specialist opening batters are not making runs in Shield cricket,” he said.

When asked who he would choose to open the batting for Australia, Clarke expressed support for West Australian opener Cameron Bancroft. Despite Bancroft’s slow start to the 2024/25 season, Clarke noted his consistency over the past two years. “I would probably go with Cameron Bancroft because he’s been the leading run scorer for the last two years in Shield cricket,” Clarke said.

Bancroft, alongside fellow opening contenders Sam Konstas and Marcus Harris, will have the chance to solidify their place in the upcoming Australia A series against India, which starts next week.