Australian openers vie for attention in Pakistan warm-up

SYDNEY: Aspiring Test openers Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw were all included in a strong Australian side on Thursday for a warm-up match against Pakistan as they audition to replace the retiring David Warner.

They were among six players with Test experience in the Prime Minister´s XI for a four-day red-ball encounter with the visitors in Canberra next month to open the Australian summer. The two sides meet in three Tests -- in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney -- from December 14 with veteran opener Warner indicating he would quit the longer format afterwards.

That would leave a vacancy to open alongside Usman Khawaja in the following two Tests in mid-January against the West Indies. All-rounder Cameron Green was also named in the PM´s XI as he works to reclaim his Test spot after falling out of favour in all three formats over the past few months.

“We´re pleased to reward some of our leading first-class performers over multiple seasons with an opportunity to face quality international opposition,” said chairman of selectors George Bailey.

“With a heavy workload of Test cricket coming this summer, this match provides an opportunity to continue to build depth around our national red-ball squad.”

PM´s XI: Nathan McSweeney (capt), Cameron Bancroft, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Nathan McAndrew, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Beau Webster.