Ind vs Aus: Warne explains why Burns shouldn't open in 1st Test
Dec 15, 2020
Adelaide [Australia], December 15 : Former Australia spinner Shane Warne on Tuesday explained the reason behind not choosing Joe Burns as one of the openers for the upcoming first Test against India in Adelaide.
The first Test of the four-match series between Australia and India, beginning on December 17, will be played at the Adelaide Oval and it would be a day-night contest.
Warne, who had earlier backed Burns to open the day-night fixture for Australia, lamented the right-handed batsman's poor form as the reason.
Burns scored only five runs in the two practice games against India, which also saw him getting out without scoring twice.
The legendary spinner said with the dearth of runs, Burns doesn't deserve to be selected as selectors must also trust batsmen's form. Warne also reiterated his stand and picked Matthew Wade and Marcus Harris as the opening pair for the first Test.
"I think it's pretty simple mate. Wade is in best 6 test batsman, Warner back for Boxing Day. So let Wade loose in Adelaide with Harris. I supported Burns 2 weeks ago, but 60 odd runs in 7/8 hits doesn't deserve to be selected. We must trust form. Great re Green - exciting talent," Warne tweeted.
Harris was added to the Australian men's squad for the first Test on Saturday, following confirmation of David Warner and Will Pucovski not being available for selection in Adelaide.
The first Test of the series, a pink-ball contest, will begin on December 17 at the Adelaide Oval. Australia had won the ODI series while the Men in Blue walked away with the honours in the T20I series.
