The entire focus leading up to the 2023 Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has revolved around one individual in Australia. As David Warner approaches a potential retirement from the longest format of the game, his name has been dominant in discussions throughout the ongoing three-match Test series against Pakistan.

At the conclusion of day one of the second Test, Warner not only contemplated his potential successor but also provided insight into his approach to playing cricket.

“I have always played in a way that aims to entertain and put bums on seats. I think that is important, giving back and ensuring the fans get what they paid for,” Warner stated.

“I think it is crucial, and I believe the selectors will continue to do this. We have players like Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, and Cameron Green, individuals who genuinely enjoy taking on the ball,” he added before identifying the player he believes is next in line to partner Usman Khawaja as the other Australian opener in Tests.

“I feel like the person who has worked hard and been in the background for a while is Marcus Harris. Harry has been that individual who has toured, scored a century the other day, and missed out in a couple of games, but he has always been the person next in line,” Warner expressed.

With 14 Test matches already under his belt, Marcus Harris has maintained an average just above 25 at the international stage but has been in good form lately. Playing for Victoria XI in the warm-up game against Pakistan, Harris scored an impressive 126 off 131 balls at Junction Oval ahead of the Melbourne Test.

Regarding his aggressive batting style, Warner suggested that Cricket Australia would need to invest in talent emerging from the shorter format of the game to ensure ticket sales and the continued relevance of the sport in Australia.

“How are we going to find these guys coming through? You’re going to find them in the Big Bash. It’s going to be a gutsy call to put someone out there in the middle, a bit like what they did with me, and experiment,” Warner remarked.

In the second Test, where Australia was put in to bat first by Pakistan, the team managed to score 187/3 on a rain-affected day. Warner, who had scored a match-winning 164 in the first Test, contributed 38 before being dismissed by Salman Agha.

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