The 5-man race to replace David Warner: Who will be perfect player to succeed Warner in Tests?

Australian opener David Warner recently announced his retirement from Test cricket as he played his final match for the country in whites at the Sydney Cricket Ground against Pakistan last week. Warner received a perfect send-off at his home ground, where he scored a classy half-century in the final innings to help Australia win the match and seal the series 3-0.

3 things you need to know

• David Warner played 112 Test matches since his debut in 2009
• He scored a total of 8786 runs including 26 centuries and 37 fifties
• Warner played his final Test match at the SCG against Pakistan

Also Read: Ajinkya Rahane expresses hope to play in upcoming Ranji Trophy matches after sustaining minor injury

The 5-man race to replace David Warner in Test cricket

With David Warner's retirement from Test cricket, the pivotal question emerges: Who will step into the role of the explosive opener for the Australian red-ball side? 

As Australia eyes to defend their World Test Championship title, finding a reliable partner for Usman Khawaja becomes crucial for the team management. The potential candidates circulating for Warner's replacement include Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, Matthew Renshaw, Daniel Hughes, and Sam Whiteman. One of these players is poised to fill the void left by Warner in the Australian Test lineup.

David Warner has backed Marcus Harris as his potential successor in Test cricket. Warner recently termed Harris the person who is next in line to become Australia's Test opener. Last month, Harris scored a century against Pakistan in a warm-up match. He also scored a crucial half-century against arch-rivals England during the Ashes 2021.

On the other hand, Cameron Bancroft, Matthew Renshaw, Sam Whiteman, and Daniel Hughes could also be top contenders for the post give their performances in domestic circuit. It will be interesting to see who replaces Warner as Australia's Test opener.