Key Points

Justin Langer is seriously concerned about Australia's unstable batting lineup heading into the Ashes. He points out that Usman Khawaja has had six different opening partners in just one year. The former coach believes this constant chopping and changing creates unhealthy instability. Langer strongly advocates for Cameron Green to bat at number three to provide some much-needed continuity.

Key Points: Justin Langer Worried About Australia Unstable Ashes Batting Order

  • Langer highlights Australia's unprecedented lack of solid top three for Ashes series
  • Usman Khawaja has had six different opening partners within one year
  • Former coach insists Cameron Green must bat at number three for continuity
  • England aware they can exploit Australia's unstable batting order early
3 min read

There's instability, it can't be healthy: Justin Langer worried about Australia's unsettled top-order before Ashes

Former coach Justin Langer voices concern over Australia's unsettled top-order before Ashes, insists Cameron Green must bat at number three for stability

"There's that instability. It can't be healthy. That's the truth. - Justin Langer"

Perth, October 3

Former Baggy Greens head coach Justin Langer has insisted that all-rounder Cameron Green needs to bat at number three while voicing his concern about the instability prevailing in Australia's batting order ahead of the much-anticipated Ashes against England on home turf.

Cricket Australia rolled out former fast bowler Merv Hughes at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to promote 50 days until the commencement of the oldest rivalry in cricket. During the event, he offered a typical statement about England's Bazball struggling to "bully" Australia on home soil.

However, former Australian opener, Langer, is seeing the different side of the coin. He highlighted opposition bowlers could expose Australia's unstable batting order, something England remains aware of.

"It's unprecedented that Australia go into an Ashes without a really solid top three. England are aware. There's a lot of talk about that. With their bowling attack, if they can exploit Australia's top order early, then you know that's where they'll be getting their optimism from," Langer said in Perth as quoted from The Sydney Morning Herald.

Since David Warner's retirement, Australia have tested out several opening partners for Usman Khawaja, featuring Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis and Sam Konstas.

"I think Usman Khawaja has had six opening partners in a year. There's that instability. It can't be healthy. That's the truth. We're sort of getting to that point where we're having a shootout every year for the opening batter. The very fact that we're talking about it, and the public are a bit confused about it, that's saying something," he added.

Green, who was sidelined for several months due to a back injury, returned to the spot and earned an instant promotion to the number three spot from his usual fifth. After initially enduring a torrid run, Green embraced the new role and appeared much assured, registering scores of 4, 0, 3, 15, 26, 52, 46 and 42 during the West Indies tour.

While at first glance, the scores appear lean, in the context of the results, some remain priceless, especially 46 and 42 in Kingston. Langer weighed in on the ideal position for Green and remained adamant that the 26-year-old should be retained for the number three position.

"He has to bat No.3, in my opinion, because otherwise there's too much chopping and changing. He batted at three in the World Test Championship. He then batted at three in really tough conditions in a three-nil winning series for Australia, and he did a good job," Langer said.

"He actually showed that he could play in that position. He averages 47, I think, in Sheffield Shield cricket. None of the others average over 40. Cameron Green domestically, you'd have to say, is the best performing player, and often the best performing player is at No.3. I'd definitely stick with him. They've got to find some continuity. It's anyone's guess who the next opener is going to be, but I think he should bat No.3," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective from Langer. Cameron Green at number 3 makes sense given his domestic record. But honestly, as a neutral observer, this Australian batting uncertainty might make the Ashes more competitive! England's Bazball vs unsettled Aussie top order could be thrilling.
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Priya S
Six opening partners in one year? That's crazy! In Indian cricket, we value stability so much. Remember how long we stuck with Sehwag-Gambhir even during rough patches? Australia needs to show some patience with their combinations. 🔥
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Michael C
While I respect Langer's opinion, I'm not entirely convinced about Green at 3. His recent scores of 4,0,3,15 don't exactly scream "solid number 3." Maybe they should look at other options? Just my two cents as a cricket enthusiast.
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Arjun K
Langer speaking pure facts! In test cricket, you need a solid top 3 to build the innings. Look at our Indian team - we always prioritize having reliable top order batsmen. Australia's confusion reminds me of our search for number 4 after Yuvraj Singh. Hope they sort it out before Ashes! 🤞
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Kavya N
As an Indian cricket fan, I'm actually enjoying this Australian batting dilemma! 😄 But seriously, Langer's point about domestic performance is valid. In India too, we often promote players based on domestic records. Green deserves a proper run at number 3.

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