Coach Justin Langer will evaluate Joe Burns over the next few days and Matthew Wade looks like an option to start
Australia coach Justin Langer has confirmed that Cameron Green will make his test debut against India in Adelaide if he passes concussion protocols over the next few days, and Matthew Wade is shaping up to be a potential starter if the off-roader plays.
Langer said there had been “good news” about Green’s progress Tuesday morning following the blow to the side of the head in his follow-up against the Indians at SCG.
“If he passes in shape, he will definitely play,” Langer said. “We are just reviewing the protocols. He had another test this morning which we have good news about. He is a great young man, obviously an excellent talent, he earned the right of selection through his performances. He and his family.”
He added that the selection decisions were a “puzzle” with “many balls in the air” and whether Green gets medical approval to be available will determine the balance of Australia’s XI.
The other big decision to make is whether to show faith in starter Joe Burns, who has made 62 runs in nine innings this season, although his experience may still tip the scales in his favor.
Langer also confirmed that Marnus Labuschagne would not be considered an interim starting hitter, with the goal of making as few changes to the batting order as possible in the absence of David Warner, which would point toward a lift for Wade from No. 6. yes Green is available.
“I’ve supported Joe the whole time,” Langer said. “He’s a very good player, you don’t lose your talent overnight. He also understands that racing is the best currency for any player and he’s been a bit light. We’ll look at him today, see how he goes, chat with him and We will make a decision on who will open the next day or so.
“Marnus won’t start, he’s done an amazing job at No. 3. Steve Smith does an incredible job at No. 4. We’ll try to stay as calm as possible while David [Warner] it’s hurt. We have some tough decisions to make.
“First we have to wait and see what happens to Cameron Green, so that’s part of the puzzle. We’ll see Joe and Marcus. [Harris] today to see how they are in training. We have to choose our top six [batsmen] and that’s part of the puzzle. There are a lot of balls in the air, I wish we could be more precise, not only for you, but more importantly for our players, but until we are clear about some things, we cannot make a decision. “
Wade has never opened up hitting in top-notch cricket, but he has done so considerably in the game of limited overs, and hitting alongside Burns was the option endorsed by Ricky Ponting during Channel Seven’s BBL coverage Monday night. .
“He could … he could drive anywhere,” Langer said of Wade entering first. “He is mentally strong, physically strong, he has good footwork, he can counter like David Warner. We just have to figure out what the best composition of our team will be.”
Despite a season of terror, Burns earned Ponting’s backing to continue in the role, although if Green succeeds at No. 6, there will be another decision to make when Warner and Will Pucovksi are back in shape.
“I’m sticking with Joe Burns,” Ponting said on Seven. “I’ve heard a lot of suggestions that he hasn’t scored enough runs to stay on the side, but I’ll keep him there.
“He did 40 in his last test innings, he did four hundred tests, averages of almost 40, I stick with him and show him some faith. I think he’s good enough to get through.
“What I’m doing is moving Matthew Wade to the beginning of the order to open with [Burns]… I think you have to tell Wade it’s just for one game. Wadey will want to. You will be excited about this, he is the kind of character who would love the opportunity to get there and take on the first Indian bowling pins in a test match. He won’t walk away from it. “
Andrew McGlashan is deputy editor of ESPNcricinfo
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