Waugh wants Warner to open at World Cup

Former national selector Mark Waugh believes David Warner must open for Australia at the upcoming World Cup.

Warner batted at number three during a World Cup warm-up match against a New Zealand XI in Brisbane on Monday, with Usman Khawaja preferred alongside skipper Aaron Finch at the top of the order.

Finch and Khawaja formed a formidable opening combination during Australia's two most recent ODI series against India and Pakistan, but Waugh thinks Warner has to open during the 50-over showpiece that commences in England and Wales later this month.

"I would definitely have him (Warner) opening," Waugh told the Big Sports Breakfast radio program.

"He is the number one opener in my opinion, so he has got to open with Finch.

"He is the most dangerous when the field is up and the field restrictions are in place and he can get the team off to a flyer."

Warner has been in excellent touch at the top of the order for Sunrisers Hyderabad during the IPL and every one of his 104 ODI innings for Australia has come as an opener.

But Khawaja has more ODI runs (769) for Australia this year than anyone else, while his record when batting at first drop in 50-over cricket isn’t quite as impressive.

The left-hander averages 24.33 from 10 ODI innings when batting at number three for Australia, leaving selectors with plenty to ponder ahead of their first World Cup game against Afghanistan on June 1.

Finch recently suggested either Khawaja, Warner or himself could bat in that position during the World Cup, although a left-hand, right-hand combination at the top of the order was his preference.

“There’s going to be plenty to think about over the next 6-8 weeks … to try and find our best combination and the best way to structure up our side,” Finch said last month.

“Davey’s record at the top is unbelievable and Uzzie’s been in great nick recently. Whichever way we go, there’s scope to mix and match that as we go through the tournament. We’ll work that out, there’s nothing set in stone right now.

“I think all three of us could (bat at No.3). I’ve probably got the least experience out of all three of us in that position in limited-overs cricket. It’s something we’ll juggle and tinker with. I think a left-right combination is probably the way we’ll go, it just depends on which left-hander (opens).”

While Waugh is adamant that Warner should partner Finch at the top of the order, he isn't sure Khawaja should be considered an automatic selection for Australia's best XI.

Waugh believes Khawaja and Shaun Marsh are the best options to bat at number three, while the remainder of Australia's batting order looks pretty clear cut.

"I think either Khawaja or Shaun Marsh bat at three and they should be fighting for that spot," he said.

"The rest probably picks itself...with (Steve) Smith at four, (Glenn) Maxwell (at) five, (Marcus) Stoinis (at) six and (Alex) Carey (at) seven."