Ashes 2019: Shane Warne shocked over James Pattinson’s exclusion from Lord’s Test

Former Australia spinner Shane Warne has criticised Australia’s team-selection for the second Ashes Test at Lord’s. Australia will take on England with an eye on extending their lead in the five-match series. The visitors will be full of confidence after dismantling England by 251 runs in the series-opener at Edgbaston. It was the first time in 14 years that they won the first Test of an Ashes series in England.

Australia were in all sorts of trouble after being reduced to 122 for 8 in the first innings. A century from comeback man Steve Smith then helped them recover and post a respectable 284. In reply, England posted 374. But another century from Smith and one from Matthew Wade helped Australia post an improbable target of 398. England, in reply, never looked in contention to even save the game and were all out for just 146.

Australia will be looking to make the most of the momentum. The team from Down Under has not won an Ashes in England since 2002. With the hosts looking far from convincing at the moment, it is Australia’s best chance to end their long winless record in the country.

Warne unhappy

Ahead of the second Test, Shane Warne has expressed his disappointment over Australia’s team selection. The legendary leg-spinner said that he is shocked to see Australia dropping James Pattinson from the playing eleven. While Australia have said that Pattinson is rested, Warne is not convinced with it. Australia have included both Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc in the 12-man team.

“Have just heard the Aussies 12 man squad for the Lords test match. Shocked to see James Pattinson is not in the squad, he should have been in the playing 11. It’s very dangerous decision to drop someone (not rest as 8 days between tests) after they did well in the opening test !,” Warne wrote on Twitter.

Have just heard the Aussies 12 man squad for the Lords test match. Shocked to see James Pattinson is not in the squad, he should have been in the playing 11. It’s very dangerous decision to drop someone (not rest as 8 days between tests) after they did well in the opening test !

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) August 13, 2019

In another tweet, Shane Warne said the flirting with form is never a good decision, writing: “There are many reasons why this isn’t a good decision, but the main one is – you never flirt with form. Compare a test match with the replacement who did well in a county game mmmm. I hope this doesn”t backfire on the Aussies & the rain stays away ! Same team for me !!!!!”

There are many reasons why this isn”t a good decision, but the main one is – you never flirt with form. Compare a test match with the replacement who did well in a county game mmmm. I hope this doesn”t backfire on the Aussies & the rain stays away ! Same team for me !!!!!

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) August 13, 2019

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