Hayden provides solution to Rogers' replacement

Melbourne, Sep 4. Australian batting great Matthew Hayden on Friday offered a solution to the debate over who should replace Chris Rogers as David Warner's opening partner in Australia’s Test cricket XI.

Joe Burns played two Tests batting at No.6 last summer, but made his One-Day international debut alongside Warner against Ireland in Belfast a week ago and the pair has since produced opening stands of 139 and 70, pushing his claims for a Test recall.

Western Warriors opener Cameron Bancroft is also in contention to take Roger's place at the top of the Test order, with former players including Adam Gilchrist lending their support to the talented 22-year-old.

"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 the Cricket Australia website.

"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)," the former left-hander, who has 8,625 Test runs and 6,133 runs in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), added. "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," concluded the 43-year-old, who took international retirement in 2009.

(IANS)