“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” – Michael Clarke

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has proposed a significant revamp to the batting lineup of the Australian team ahead of the fourth Ashes Test. The performance of David Warner, in particular, has come under intense scrutiny due to his recent string of poor scores.

Warner, a seasoned opening batsman, initially showed promise in the Ashes series with a solid knock of 45 runs in the Edgbaston Test, followed by a well-crafted half-century at Lord’s. However, his struggles resurfaced in the subsequent Headingley Test against England, where he fell victim to Stuart Broad’s bowling on both occasions, contributing just five runs overall.

Given the recurrence of Warner’s long-standing issues, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins has not ruled out the possibility of benching Warner for the upcoming fourth Test. The team management is contemplating the decision as they seek to address the opening batter’s poor form.

Clarke said “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.”

He added “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).”