As David Warner trudged off the pitch at the SCG, possibly for the final time as one of Australia’s Test openers, discussion around who will replace him continued to dominate the headlines as it has done all summer.
The batsman has been an integral component of the national side for so long that many see it as a near impossible task to replace what he brings to the table, but that is exactly what the selectors must do as the curtains close on Warner’s illustrious red-ball career.
Steve Smith emerges as surprise pick to replace David Warner
Warner earlier offered up his assessment of his upcoming departure, expressing his belief that Marcus Harris should get the first crack at his spot after serving as understudy in recent years.
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Although not everyone was impressed with Warner’s take on the situation, with former Aussie selector Jamie Cox blasting the 37-year-old for attempting to pick his successor.
“Well bugger me - another modern first!” Cox wrote on social media at the time.
“I have never heard of a current player anointing their successor. What’s wrong with ‘that’s a question for George Bailey not me’? I need a lie down…!”
The same trio of names - Cameron Bancroft, Cam Green and Harris - have been tossed up as providing the perfect solution, with Mark Waugh claiming the Aussies simply had to find a place in the side for Green.
Yet the allrounder hasn’t been the only Aussie to be pitched as a possible new opener with coach Andrew McDonald revealing a player could be converted into the role.
“In the last 30 years, I think there has been 30-odd openers, and 50 per cent of them have come from a non-traditional opening background,” McDonald told ABC Radio.
“If that’s anything to go by, there is the potential to be able to rejig your order.”
Marnus Labuschagne has been touted to slide up from No.3, while Mitch Marsh’s revival and ability to blast away opponents has drawn comparisons to Warner.
Former skipper Steve Smith has suddenly emerged as yet another candidate.
“When Dave Warner retires…there’s talk that Marnus will open, but I like, knowing the person, the idea of Steve Smith opening,” Shane Watson recently suggested.
“The reason why is that No.3 is the perfect position for him. When he’s the man, he feels like he is the one who has to score the bulk of the runs for his team.
“When he comes in at four, often the work has been done and finding motivation is more challenging for him.
“Steve Smith opening the batting, he has got the technique, and it’s the challenge he needs.”
David Warner disappointment at SCG as Australia struggle against Pakistan
Warner planned to go out on a high in Sydney after announcing his Test retirement prior to the series against Pakistan.
Although his fairytale farewell to the SCG crowd didn’t go to plan on day two of the New Year’s Test, despite being offered a reprieve during the morning when he was dropped at slip on 20.
Debutant Saim Ayub fumbled the catch, and it appeared that Warner would go on to punish the tourists like his teammates had already done during the series when offered a second chance at the crease.
But Warner failed to capitalise on the mistake as his 70-run opening stand with Usman Khawaja came to a premature end with the left-hander dismissed for 34.
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“He just got a ripper ball today, which you just have to cop sometimes,” Khawaja said of Warner’s wicket.
“It’s nice to see him leave on a high. It’s his Test. It’s really good to be a part of it.
“He’s been such an amazing cricketer for Australian cricket for so long. It’s nice for him to go out on his own terms in front of his home crowd in front of family and friends.
“I couldn’t think of a better way for him to go.”
Warner received a rousing reception from the crowd as he made his way back to the pavilion with disappointment etched across his face.
He may well still get to bat again for the Aussies, but his time in the Test limelight is quickly fading away as the poor weather conditions in Sydney caused an early abandonment of play.