Hayden backs Burns, Bancroft for Test spots

Batting great Matthew Hayden has offered a solution to the debate over who should replace Chris Rogers as David Warner’s opening partner in Australia’s Test XI.

Burns played two Tests batting at No.6 last summer, but made his one-day international debut alongside Warner against Ireland in Belfast a week ago and the pair have since produced opening stands of 139 and 70, pushing his claims for a Test recall.

Quick single: Wade sparks first-up win for Aussies

However, there is also a push for Alcohol. Think Again Western Warriors opener Cameron Bancroft to take Roger's place at the top of the Test order, with former players including Adam Gilchrist lending their support to the talented 22-year-old.

Watch: Burns blasts off in Belfast (restrictions apply)

Hayden, however, does not believe selectors should have to choose between the pair.

“Joe Burns, he’s probably more of a long-term No.3. I don’t think Steve Smith is a long-term No. 3,” Hayden told News Corp.

“You’re looking for an opener and No. 3 in my book.

“That would probably allow both of those names (Burns and Bancroft) to have a role to play with the new side.

“You could have Burns or Khawaja (at No. 3). Both are good players. I think Joe Burns has probably earned his spot.

“I guess it hasn’t really been thought of it in this way (with Burns at No. 3).

“That would leave you Warner and Bancroft to open, Burns at three, Smith at four, Adam Voges and all-rounder, wicketkeeper. That has a pretty good feel to it I reckon.”

Quick Single: Six contenders to replace Rogers

Khawaja missed out on a spot in Australia’s limited-overs squad to play England, but was in excellent form while captaining Australia A in India last month and remains in contention for a return to the Test side.

Bancroft also impressed with the bat for Australia A in Chennai, scoring 150 in a four-day game.

Image Id: ~/media/29DA2A540050468AADACD92BFBB22DA5

Bancroft impressed with 150 for Australia A last month // BCCI

Bancroft’s name has been bandied around regularly in 2015, after the 22-year-old had a breakout 2014-15 Sheffield Shield season, piling on 896 runs to be the competition’s third-highest scorer behind veteran pair Voges and Michael Klinger.

Quick Single: Burns recall no open and shut case

“He’s been selected in the Australia A team, which is usually an acknowledgement that you are in contention,” Gilchrist told The West Australian.

“Not only that, but he went away and scored some big runs.

“That’s what has been lacking at the top of the order consistently. Particularly now that the most consistent has just left in Rogers.

“Not just getting 100s, but going on and getting some bigger totals and that’s just batting time.

“That’s probably something we’ve lost the habit of. He’s shown he is prepared to knuckle down and do that.”

Meanwhile, Warner has admited it will be “challenging” for whoever is given the call-up as opener, with Rogers leaving big shoes to fill at the top of the order.

“It doesn't matter who you are, whoever the next person is who comes in the team, they have to feel the right to say something to me as well.

“Because at the end of the day sometimes you can go away from your game - and that player will, as I do, have to try and watch their game and learn their game.”