David Werner will be heard about his starting partner for the Test series against India, but national selector Trevor Hones has no doubt that Will Pukowski will be ready for a role in first-class cricket despite having only two matches in that position.
Those two games, of course, brought a small double-century affair – 255 not out and 202 – in recent weeks, which has pushed Pukowski to the brink of a Test debut.
The big decision for the selectors is whether he will now replace current Joe Burns, who was finally part of the summer and has a good partnership record with Warner: The pair Batting start averaged 50.55 from 27 innings.
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“Of course we talk to David, he’s a very senior player, he’s very experienced and most importantly he’s also comfortable, we’re with that guy if we open up to him.” “It goes a long way in building a start-up partnership. You have to be comfortable with your partner and we will definitely consult players on such issues.”
While insisting that a decision be left between Burns and Pukowski – Australia was shaping up to be the judges in the matches – Hohans was confident that Pukowski was technically and mentally fit for Test cricket.
“Will is in fantastic form. He’s not just in good form, he’s in great form. I think he’s undeniable,” he said. As far as Will goes, and he’s with all of our players, we check on his health and well-being. Not just Will but all our players. Good to go.
“It’s a game to handle [opening] We have already seen. Well, it’s only been a couple games but before that he’s batting at No. 3, he has the technique to handle the opening position if necessary. “
One of the other questions facing selectors is how to manage all-format players in the six limited-overs matches that begin the tour in late November. It is expected that those returning from the IPL – especially Warner, Steven Smith and Pat Cummins – will be rested at some point, but Hohn admitted that it was a balanced act to please the broadcasters.
“We are currently working on it and are especially looking forward to the repatriation of IPL players,” he said. “We’re working on it in the background at the moment and, of course, we have to consider the broadcasters and make sure that if we’re going to give a break to a player or give players a break, it’s not all missing. A game.”
Week Most of Australia’s Test teams have been part of the Sheffield Shield hub in Adelaide this week, while returnees from the IPL will not have long-form cricket before the Test series and will be prepared with nets in Adelaide instead. The game is underway in Sydney.
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