Jamie Cox, the former Australian selector, did not appreciate David Warner’s choice after the latter had backed Marcus Harris as his possible successor in Test cricket. The ace Australian opener is due to call time on his Test career after the third and final Test between Australia and Pakistan at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Notably, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Harris, and Cameron Bancroft are among the contenders in line to replace Warner.
Cox, who was on Australia’s Test selection panel from 2006 to 2011, expressed his displeasure after Warner publicly nominated Harris. Marcus Harris, who made his Test debut against India in 2018, has featured in 14 games and has accumulated over 600 runs with three half-centuries to his name.
“Well bugger me – another modern first! I have never heard of a current player anointing their successor. What’s wrong with ‘that’s a question for George Bailey not me’? I need a lie down…!” Cox wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
See the post:
Well bugger me – another modern first! I have never heard of a current player anointing their successor. What’s wrong with ‘that’s a question for George Bailey not me’? I need a lie down…! 🤷♂️ https://t.co/p1QGxZfP2T
— Jamie Cox (@jamiecox1969) December 26, 2023
Cox criticised Warner after Mitchell Johnson had stated that the southpaw did not deserve a farewell series and he has been continuously backed by the selectors despite poor form before the first Test in Perth. Notably, Warner was exceptional during the opening Test, bringing up his 26th Test ton and ending his innings with a remarkable knock of 164.
Here’s what David Warner said on Marcus Harris’ selection:
“Look, it’s a tough one. It’s obviously up to the selectors. But from my position I feel like the person who’s worked their backside off and has been there for a while in the background (is Harris). Harry’s been that person, he’s toured … he scored a hundred the other day and he missed out in a couple of other games, but he’s always been that person who was next in line. If the selectors show their faith in him then I’m sure that he’ll come out and play the way he does. He’s not too dissimilar to me. If he sees it in his areas he goes for it and plays his shots, and I think he would fit well,” Warner was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.