Shane Warne names his Australia XI for opening Test against India

Former Australian cricketer Shane Warne has named the Australia playing eleven for the opening Test against India at the Adelaide Oval, starting December 17. Prior to the game, the Aussies have already been jolted with a body blow after David Warner was ruled out due to a groin injury. In his place, Warne named Marcus Harris/Will Pucovski as Joe Burns’ opening partner.

Pucovski was sidelined after he copped a blow on the head during the first tour match against India A at the Drummoyne Oval in Sydney. But he is expected to be up and running for the first Test. In the middle-order, Warne picked the likes of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, who both have been ruling the roost as far as Test cricket is concerned. He also went for Travis Head.

I’d love to get Cameron Green in the side, says Warne

For the number six slot, Warne kept Cameron Green and Matthew Wade as the options. But he picked Green only if the playing conditions are conducive to seam bowling.

“I’d love to get Cameron Green in the side but I reckon I’d have a look at the pitch first,” Warne was quoted as saying Fox Sports.

“If they feel like they want a few extra overs with the pink ball then I’d get Green in. He’s in such good form, I’d like to see him play but if not then I’d like to see him debut when it’s a bit easier than under lights with the pink ball and I’d pick Matthew Wade,” he added.

In the bowling department, Warne zeroed in on Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Cummins was rested from the final ODI and the three T20Is keeping in mind the rigours of Test cricket. Starc also sustained an injury and missed the third ODI.

Starc later didn’t play the last couple of T20Is after he returned home due to a family illness. Nathan Lyon remains as Australia’s sole specialist option in the spin-bowling department.

Shane Warne’s Australia XI:

Tim Paine (c/wk), Joe Burns, Pat Cummins (vc), Matthew Wade/Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Will Pucovski/Marcus Harris, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.