Ind vs Aus 1st Test Match: Shane Warne picks his playing XI for the Adelaide Test

The legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne picked his Australian playing XI for the first Test match against India. Warne chooses Matthew Wade and Marcus Harris as the opening pair for the first game.

The Men in Yellow have had multiple setbacks in the last few weeks when it comes to openers. David Warner injured his adductor muscle in the One Day series against India. The opening batsman has announced his unavailability for the first Test.

Will Pucovski, who was Warner’s replacement, sustained a concussion while batting for Australia A in the first match. Pucovski is recovering but he might have to miss out on the first game. Therefore, Marcus Harris will be a part of the Australian squad.

Talking about the other opener, Joe Burns has been not so great the entire season. With this Wade grabbed his spot in the series. Before Shane Warne, former Australia captain Michael Clarke also chose Wade as his opener. This decision had surprised some and intrigued many.

Wade has never opened in Test matches as his favorite batting spots are No. 5 and No. 6. He averages 45.5 and 29 in those spots respectively. Besides this, Harris also averaged 36 in his debut Test series against India back in 2018. The latter had a good Shelfied Shield stint lately.

Shane Warne included Cameron Green in his playing XI

Shane Warne chooses the unquestionable middle-order comprising of Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Travis Head. The former also included talented all-rounder Cameron Green in his side after Travis Head. However, Green is uncertain to play the first match after getting struck on the head in the second warm-up game.

The 51-year-old hoped for Green’s quick recovery. In case Green is not available, Warne chose Shaun Marsh as a replacement. Marsh has played 38 Test matches and averages 34.32. He is a reliable batsman. However, this average has fallen to 22.4 against India. This is his lowest so far against any opponent.

Captain and wicket-keeper Tim Paine also feature in Shane Warne's XI. His blue-chip bowlers include Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood, and Nathan Lyon.

India’s first overseas Pink-ball Test match will commence from December 17 in Adelaide. The schedule is followed by three more matches in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane respectively.

Shane Warne's Playing XI

Tim Paine (C), Matthew Wade, Marcus Harris, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

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