With David Warner out of the Australian test team for a large part of 2018, the Australian selectors had the opportunity and a free hit to try some upcoming talent at the top of the batting order.
Prior to the 2018 Australian summer, Victorian opener Marcus Harris showed some great signs at Sheffield Shield level, scoring 501 runs in the first five matches of the season at an average of 71.57. This was boosted by a massive 250 not-out against New South Wales as the Bushrangers won by an innings and 107 runs.