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David Warner has been inked into Australia’s team for the first Test against Pakistan in Perth next week after he was named in a 14-man squad alongside recalled fast bowler Lance Morris.
Australia’s selection panel of George Bailey, coach Andrew McDonald and Tony Dodemaide still believe Warner is the best complementary opening partner for Usman Khawaja, the world’s leading Test batter over the past two years.
David Warner and Usman Khawaja put on vital runs together at Lord’s this year.Credit: Getty
That much was in evidence during the Ashes series, where Khawaja and Warner put together several vital opening stands, not least during the second Test at Lord’s in difficult conditions for batting where Australia effectively sealed possession of the urn.
While Warner’s returns over the past two years have been thin relative to his career average of close to 45, he still has scored his runs at a significantly higher tempo than the likes of Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw in the Sheffield Shield. All three have been named in the Prime Minister’s XI to play Pakistan in Canberra this week.
“This group, led by Pat Cummins, has built a strong resume over an extended period,” Bailey said. “We believe they have earned the opportunity to start in our first home Test match at the beginning of the new World Test Championship cycle.
“Thirteen members of the squad were part of the victorious World Test Championship and successful Ashes tours over the winter and Lance Morris has been recalled after recovering from his back injury over the same period.
“As ever, there will be opportunities in the short to medium term to break into this squad. We look forward to seeing the continued strong performances from players who have been performing domestically, many of whom will get a tremendous opportunity in the PM’s XI fixture against Pakistan later this week.”
Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green were both named in the squad, with Marsh expected to get first crack at the all-rounder’s berth in Perth. Nathan Lyon is also back in the team after he suffered a torn calf at Lord’s and missed the final three Ashes Tests – his absence was a major reason for England’s recovery to draw the series 2-2.
Pakistan, led by the left-handed top order batter Shan Masood, have never won a Test series in Australia. Their four victories in Tests on these shores have come in Sydney in 1977, Melbourne in 1979 and 1981, and Sydney also in 1995.
Since then, however, Australia have won 14 consecutive matches against Pakistan on home soil, most recently in 2019.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Cameron Green, Lance Morris.
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