The first major series after the Covid-19 lockdown for the India team will take place in December. The team will travel to Australia for a series of 3 T20, 3 ODI and a four-game test that begins on December 17. Both teams have begun their preparations for the long-awaited series with Indian announcing a large contingent for the tour. Australia is also looking to win back the trophy and get revenge after losing the series to India last year.
Some of the greats of Australian cricket have identified a player who could be a secret weapon against India. Former bosses, including Ian Chappell and Michael Clarke, have called for young starter Will Pucovski to be added to the Australia squad for the upcoming test series against India.
Victoria’s Pucovski has produced successive double hundreds, scoring 202 against Western Australia in a Sheffield Shield clash after 255 unbeaten last week against South Australia.
The 22-year-old has scored 457 runs so far this season and Clarke believes he should have a chance to face India during the test series that begins in Adelaide on January 17.
“I have to pick him … this is a great way to get him on that Australian team,” Clarke said on Sky Sports radio.
“Yeah it’s against a good team, India, but this kid is ready … With (David) Warner as his starting partner, (Marnus) Labuschagne as his number 3, (Steve) Smith as his number 4, that’s the one. the leadership and experience you need around you as a young hitter. ” Chappell, who captained Australia from 1971 to 1975, said Pucovski might be a better long-term option than test starter Joe Burns, who averaged 32 for Australia last summer and posted scores of 7, 29, 0 and 10 for Queensland this season.
“Burns hasn’t done a lot of races this summer and there comes a point where you think, ‘well, where’s Burns going?'” Chappell told ABC.
“He’s probably not going anywhere, really, and it’s time to take a look at Pucovski.
“What is that now? Six or seven centuries of first? That includes a couple of doubles. Ready “. Pucovski has scored 600 in 22 first-class matches with an average of 57.93.
Former Australian starter Mark Waugh also backed the youngster for first place in the first Test against India.
“I would definitely choose him for the first test against India. He should be chosen as the starting hitter, “Waugh told foxsports.com.au.”
Joe Burns has a decent enough record, but his start to the season hasn’t been ideal and he just hasn’t nailed that spot.
“Last summer he looked good at times without making the big score and he just left the door open for a younger player or a fit player to show up there.”
Pucovski has been out of cricket due to a concussion and mental health issues.
“I don’t know the ins and outs of his problems, but I imagine if he’s ever going to be okay and ready to go, he will be now,” Waugh said.
“He’s hitting with a lot of confidence so he’s not afraid of missing there. I’d be in a pretty good head space right now. Without knowing the intimate details, I’d say he’s ready to go. “
Kim Hughes, who captained Australia in 28 test matches between 1979 and 1984, also believes that Pucovski is in a “good space” and should be included in the opening test.
“It seems to have solved those mental challenges. I would choose Pucovski. “
(with PTI inputs)
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