Michael Clarke makes RIDICULOUS prediction about Steve Smith's future as Australian cricket legends divide over whether he should replace David Warner

Cricket greats Matthew Hayden and Mark Taylor are on different pages when it comes to David Warner's successor at Test level – but Michael Clarke has proven he is reading a completely different book with an incredible claim about how Steve Smith will open the batting for Australia.

Hayden, 52, has endorsed fellow Queenslander Matt Renshaw as the man to face the new ball, while ex-Test captain Taylor, 59, believes Steve Smith is the standout choice to team up with Usman Khawaja in the upcoming series against Pakistan.

Fellow former Test skipper Michael Clarke agreed with Taylor and raised many eyebrows after he said: 'Don't be surprised if he (Smith) breaks Brian Lara's 400 record because he is that good and now he has all day (to work).'

Clarke also claimed that Smith 'will be the best opening batsman in the world within 12 months' if he is picked to move to the top of the rankings.

However, his fellow former opening batsman Mark Taylor believes Steve Smith is the best option

Former Test skipper Michael Clarke agreed with Taylor and raised many eyebrows by stating that Smith is likely to break Brian Lara's Test record innings of 400 if he opens

“I feel like a left-handed opener in Renshaw is the one to pick with age (27) on his side,” Hayden said Fairfax Media.

“I just feel like he's shown what he can do and he's going to last so long.

'It's mainly a gut feeling. (Cameron) Bancroft and (Marcus) Harris are a bit older, and you could argue a bit wiser… but Renshaw gives you that youthful edge, and soon you'll get two new openers (once Usman Khawaja retires). '

Smith's usually excellent form slipped during the three-Test series against Pakistan, but Clarke predicts the 34-year-old will soar to new heights if he replaces Warner

If Bancroft, 31, is overlooked, his Test career is almost certainly over.

The West Australian has plundered points in the Sheffield Shield over the past two seasons and is comfortably the leading points scorer in the competition.

Warner has previously pushed for Harris as an outright swap, but selectors are believed to be leaning towards all-rounder Cameron Green or Steve Smith as a left-field option.

Taylor has no doubt that Smith would take up the opportunity and it follows that 'Smudge' stated that he was 'quite keen' for the role, despite his success in the middle order at Test level.

Cameron Bancroft has plundered runs for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield over the past two seasons – but will this be enough to earn a Test recall?

“I don't mind that at all because to me it says Steve Smith wants to do what's best for the team, which I think is great,” he said. Broad sports world.

“I thought maybe (Marnus) Labuschagne moved up and Smith hit at three and Green came in at four. But if Smith wants to move up and Labuschagne doesn't, I have no problem with that.

“If that's what's best for Australian cricket, I think it's a good move.”

Taylor is also open to Green starting at No. 4, pointing to the all-rounder's average pace when holding the red ball and his safe hands in the field.