Opinions divided on next opener

The fans want Cameron Bancroft ... the big voices favour Cameron Green.

Harsha Bhogle, the voice of Indian cricket commentating for Fox, reckons the massive debate that is trying to identify the outstanding candidate to replace David Warner proves one thing – there isn’t one.

“That’s one thing I remember about great Australian eras, their transitions are normally very smooth,’’ Bhogle said.

“It feels a bit different this time as the enormous debate about Warner’s successor makes me think there isn’t one.’’

The who-replaces-Warner debate after Sydney next week is raging on.

NewsCorp’s fan survey featuring almost 5000 voters has Cameron Bancroft (30 per cent) in front of Matt Renshaw (24 per cent), Mitch Marsh (20 per cent), Cameron Green (9 per cent) and Marcus Harris (9 per cent).

Ricky Ponting does not rate Green as the likely choice, though several of his contemporaries do.

A quick sweep of the commentary area at the MCG drew the following views.

Michael Vaughan (Fox Cricket): “Green is a cricketer I would want in my team. You need someone who is going to come out of the blocks.

“That is what Warner did. Green can do that. Green is a front-foot player. I think he is a player who looks best when he’s settled when spin comes on. Green is too good a player not to be in the team.”

Mark Taylor (Triple M): “I would be hedging towards Bancroft because he has scored the runs in Sheffield Shield cricket and that would send a good message as to what we are looking for.

“I also like him for his fielding. Warner goes out and you lose a slipper. Bancroft goes in and you can solve that.”