Former Test captain Michael Clarke urges Aussie selectors not to ‘make the same mistake’ when it comes to who will open the batting against India

Former Test captain Michael Clarke has called for Australian selectors not to ‘make the same mistake’ when it comes to who will open the batting with Usman Khawaja against India.

David Warner divided opinion earlier this week when he boldly offered to come out of retirement – but Clarke believes Western Australian Cameron Bancroft is the standout choice to play Rohit Sharma’s men.

‘I would probably go with him [Bancroft] because he’s been the leading run scorer for the last two years in Shield cricket,’ he said.

‘I think he’s earned the right to be selected based on runs.’

Steve Smith will bat at four given Cameron Green is out for the series with stress fractures in his back – and the man they call ‘Pup’ is relieved ‘Smudge’ won’t face the new ball.

‘We made a mistake in getting Steve Smith to open the batting in Test cricket, so let’s not make the same mistake,’ Clarke said on Sky Sports Radio.

‘Let’s pick a specialist opener, whoever is best equipped.

‘How can you justify [middle order wicketkeeper/batsman] Josh Inglis is a better person to open the batting in a Test match against this Indian attack than a specialist opener?

David Warner divided opinion earlier this week when he boldly offered to come out of retirement 

Michael Clarke’s choice is Cameron Bancroft based on his runs in the Sheffield Shield the past couple of years with Western Australia

‘He scored Shield runs, yes, but he bats in the middle order. 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 [selectors] have at the moment is the top three contenders who are specialist opening batters are not making runs in Shield cricket. 

‘Its also been two Shield rounds on wickets that are seaming….who cares? It can’t just be about making runs in the two Shield games.’

Other options at the top of the order include Marcus Harris, Matthew Renshaw and teenage prodigy Sam Konstas.

It comes after retired Test opener David Warner made the shock offer to return to the fold against India if the Australian team sent him an SOS. 

Respected cricket journalist Peter Lalor was blunt in his assessment when it came to Warner.

‘I’ve had my head in my hands…..this is a drive-by shooting from a bloke in a clown car. Go away, David, we’ve had enough, it’s not your time,’ Lalor said.

The first Test against India in Perth begins on November 22.