Adam Gilchrist, former Australian wicket-keeper is confident that opener David Warner will compete in the Sydney Test but is unsure if Will Pucovski would make his debut in the third match against India, starting January 7.
Australia have brought back David Warner and Will Pucovski, who were recovering from a groin injury and concussion respectively, to the squad while dropping struggling opener Joe Burns for the remaining two Tests.
Adam Gilchrist (Image Credit: Google)
Adam Gilchrist: David Warner Close To Return But Will Pucovski Is In Squad For Training And Practice
David Warner who is fifth among run-getters in ICC World Test Championship, 2019-21 with 881 runs averaging 55.06 including an unbeaten 335 against Pakistan.
“He’s (Warner) very, very close,” Gilchrist told ‘Fox Sports News’.
“The way I look at it, he must have been pretty close to Melbourne the way he rushed down here to make sure he wasn’t caught by any border closures but he obviously didn’t get up for Melbourne. But if he’s moving around a lot as we’ve seen … the Australians will have two days training here in Melbourne and then they head up to Sydney so I would expect he will be all right to go. It’s just a question of who will be at the other end with him,” Gilchrist added.
Will Pucovski. Image Credit: Getty Images.
The 49-year-old wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist feels Will Pucovski is not a sure shot starter for the Sydney Test but may be played at Brisbane if needed.
“My natural instinct is that if you bring someone into a squad, a la Pucovski, you’re probably going to play him. It may not be that certain. They might be bringing him into the squad so he can start getting higher-level practice and be fully engaged with the squad and the high-quality training that goes along with that,” Gilchrist added.
Will Pucovski was favourite to open in the first Test but the 22-year-old suffered a concussion after being hit on the head during the day-night warm-up practice match.
“Since his blow to the head he hasn’t really had any other cricket to go and play, so perhaps they’re bringing him in more as cover should something else happen or if they want to play him in the fourth Test.”
Will Pucovski scored two back to back double tons against South and West Australia in Sheffield Shield which was a reason for his inclusion while the other reason is, of course, incumbent opener Joe Burn’s dismal form.
Adam Gilchrist: Matthew Wade Has Made A Case As Opener While Travis Head Have To Deliver Big Runs
Matthew Wade was elevated to the role of the opener after the home side was struck by several injuries and Adam Gilchrist reckons the 33-year-old has made a strong case for himself as an opener in the first two Tests.
“Matt Wade has made a really strong case to stay at the top of the order by way of determination and fight and that natural characteristic that comes through in his game.
“He hasn’t capitalised on big runs but I think they’ll probably keep Wade at the top with Warner and leave that middle order as settled as they can,” Gilchrist said.
Matthew Wade (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB (Photo credit should read LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images)
Adam Gilchrist feels the fact that Travis Head has to deliver down the order with Matthew Wade opening with David Warner who has recovered from a groin injury.
“That’ll put the spotlight on Travis Head – he’ll have to deliver big runs. I don’t think he’s fallen foul of the selectors just yet, I think they’ll show faith in him for at least one more Test match. Then if changes need to be made, obviously they’ll have Pucovski there with a week of good solid training under his belt with the team. He’ll be there for Brisbane if they want to make a change,” Gilchrist said.
Matthew Wade amassed 111 runs in 2 Tests averaging 27.75 and is 3rd among leading run-getters in the Test series whereas Travis Head aggregated 62 runs averaging 20.66.
