Cameron Bancroft says a specialist opener should replace David Warner after Andrew McDonald hints at Cam Green’s return

Cameron Bancroft insists a specialist opener would be best placed to take over from the retiring David Warner as he believes experience at the top is crucial in the difficult role.

Australia have named an unchanged 13-man squad for this week's third Test against Pakistan at the SCG, but a crucial time is coming in the quest to replace Warner as he bids farewell to the Test arena.

Bancroft remains one of the leading contenders, with selectors set to make a decision ahead of the Adelaide Test against the West Indies on January 17.

Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw also have a fair claim for the job, but coach Andrew McDonald has refused to rule out a non-specialist opener instead.

McDonald left the door ajar on Saturday for Cameron Green to replace Warner, while another hitter could theoretically move up to accommodate Green's return.

Andrew McDonald has hinted that Cameron Green could be in the squad

But when asked if it would be an easier job for a specialist opener, Bancroft was adamant that it was.

“Yes, absolutely,” he told AAP.

“I have been opening the batting in Shield cricket for over a decade. It's not an easy place to hit.

“It comes with challenges, and throughout my career I've solved problems by finding ways to thrive in those kinds of circumstances.

“Some players have stepped up and started opening the batting and have done really well. But not everyone raises their hand to open the batting.

“I feel like it's probably a specialist role and certainly a very challenging one. But also very valuable.'

Bancroft's comments come after Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer and Mike Hussey each made similar arguments this week.

If Australia opts for a specialist opener, Bancroft has made the strongest argument of any contender in recent years.

David Warner will play his final Test match in Sydney this week

Bancroft has not featured in the Test side since being dropped during a poor Ashes in 2019

He was the leading run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield last summer with 945 runs at an average of 59.06, and has topped the charts again this season with 512 at 56.88.

Harris and Renshaw were both part of Australian squads at the time, while Bancroft has not played since being dropped during a poor Ashes in 2019.

“I've had a number of conversations (with selectors) over the last 12 months and asked some questions about what I can do to improve,” Bancroft said.

'I'm always looking to improve and get better. I wanted that feedback from them.

“But I think it always comes down to scoring points, so I've just tried to do the best I can regardless of the format of the game I'm playing.”

Bancroft is also hopeful runs in the BBL will help his cause, with the Sydney Thunder playing games against Hobart and Perth before the Adelaide Test.

The opener is the league's second highest points scorer, with 181 from his first five games.

“Runs are runs,” Bancroft said.

'There is obviously no red ball cricket. So coming out and playing in the Big Bash is the format of the game I can play in now.

'Selectors have always talked about players scoring points and things like that, and those points count. And I agree with that.

“Anyone who is in a position to go to the next level wants them to score points. I just tried to do that regardless of the format of the game.

“Hopefully that will make me eligible to be selected.”