Ashes 2021-22: Shane Warne backs Jhye Richardson's inclusion in first Test ahead of Mitchell Starc

Former Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne has picked Jhye Richardson to play the first Ashes Test in Gabba, ahead of Mitchell Starc. Warne feels Mitchell Starc is not bowling well and needs to find his rhythm back before being included in the team

Starc was last seen in the 20-20 World Cup. Although Australia managed to win its maiden title, the left-arm pacer struggled to find form. He was taken to cleaners by Kane Williamson in the summit clash. Warne feels the pacer needs some form and confidence before being selected in the XI.

“He had a really poor (T20) World Cup (in the UAE). He’s just not bowling well enough. He needs to find a bit of rhythm and some form. It’s too important at the Gabba (the venue for the opening Ashes Test). So I’m all for Jhye Richardson (to replace him)," Warne told Fox Cricket on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Richardson has had a good start to his Test career and has taken six wickets in just two matches. He is nippy and bowls at a good pace. 

Warne also feels Australia’s premier spinner Nathan Lyon should not be an automatic choice in the first Test, citing the off spinners' poor form. The former Australian leg-spinner feels Mitchell Swepson can be given a look in. “I hope (Mitchell) Swepson gives an option for the selectors then to say ‘well, you know, Nathan’s not bowling that well or we want to play two spinners’, put some pressure on Nathan Lyon."

Lyon needs just one wicket to reach 400 Test wickets. He has 399 in 100 matches at an average of 32.12.