Who opens and who bats six? Shane Warne and Mark Waugh’s Aussie Test XIs

After weeks spent debating the opening spots, suddenly the battle for number six in Australia’s Test team is just as hot.

Shane Warne picks his team for the First Test.

Shane Warne and Mark Waugh can’t agree on the two most contentious decisions facing selectors ahead of the First Test between Australia and India.

The process to settle the top of the order has taken more twists and turns than a Warne fifth day spell as Joe Burns’ form, David Warner’s hamstring injury and now Will Pucovski’s concussion prevent the Aussies from locking in its opening batting spots.

But the sparkling start to summer by all-rounder Cameron Green has now placed real pressure on Matthew Wade’s position in the side, forcing selectors to make a call on adding a fifth bowling option under lights in Adelaide or to stick with the experienced hand against the pink ball.

Burns versus Pucovski versus Marcus Harris and Green versus Wade are both lineball calls and have left Warne and Waugh split.

Warne said he would only unveil 21-year-old Green, hailed as one of the key components of Australia’s future, if conditions required an extra seam option.

“I’d love to get Cameron Green in the side but I reckon I’d have a look at the pitch first,” Warne said.

“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.”

Green made an unbeaten 125 and removed both openers in India’s second innings in a tour match this week and Waugh says he’s ready to go now.

Speaking on Fox Cricket before the third T20, Waugh picked Green instead of Wade.

“I just think he’s (Green) shown enough to all of us with the bat and the ball that he’s got to be in there,” Waugh said.

“I know it’s tough on Matthew Wade but I’ve got him in there. I reckon he’s a special talent.”

As for the opening spots, both Aussie cricket greats are picking Pucovski if he recovers in time from a head knock in the tour match.

Warne is retaining Burns, while Waugh would drop the Queenslander for Harris.

Burns is averaging just 8.71 since the start of the season, while Harris – who made 35 and 25* against India A – is averaging 103.75.

Joe Burns summer: 7,29,0,10,11,4,0. 61 runs at 8.7

Pucovski 255*,202,38,1,18* (still going) -514 runs at 171.3

And Cam Green fighting for middle order spot with
56,11*,197,7,36,56,21 and 125*- 509 runs at 84.8

— Darren Parkin (@Darren_Parkin) December 8, 2020