'He'll be No.1 in 12 months. Don’t be surprised if he breaks Brian Lara’s 400 record':Michael Clarke

Cricket Australia have a big hole to fill after the retirement of David Warner. The Aussie opener has stepped down from the Test and ODI format but will feature in T20Is and Franchise cricket. With him out of the equation, CA needs a reliable opener for the squad who will help in the opening moments and also contribute a good amount of runs. Amid the debate, former AUS captain Michael Clarke has opined on who should succeed in Warner's position  

3 things you need to know

• David Warner competed in his final Test Series against Pakistan
• Warner has also announced his retirement from the ODI format
• Michael Clarke has picked his choice for the team opener

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Michael Clarke makes big claims over David Warner's successor, says he could break big records

Former Australian Cricket Team captain Michael Vaughan has said that Steve Smith should be the one who should be put in as a replacement for David Warner, but only if he wishes so. Clarke then boldly claimed that Smith could break the legendary Brian Lara's record for the highest individual score in red-ball cricket (400* runs during the 2004 England tour of West Indies).

While speaking to ESPN's Around the Wicket Podcast, Clarke said:

“If he wants to do it, I think they will allow him to do it. Listening to Patty Cummins’ quotes, I think it’s a simple swap. I think Cameron Green is going to come in to open the batting for David Warner unless Steve Smith wants to do it. If he does, they might go Steve Smith to open and Cam Green at No.4 or Green to No.6."

“He [Smith] is that good a player. It might be that challenge he’s looking for. If he opens, he will be the best opener within 12 months. Don’t be surprised if he breaks Brian Lara’s 400 record because he’s that good and now he’s got the whole day," Clarke added.

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Smith had stated that he wanted to bat in the opening stage. However, the star batter hasn't recently produced the stats to support him. Additionally, the Cricket Australia Board have not made a decision yet, and although they have a few possibilities, Smith is undoubtedly on the list.