Batting prodigy Will Pucovski is “ready to go”, captain Tim Paine said on Wednesday, as Australia appear set for a new opening partnership ...
Batting prodigy Will Pucovski is “ready to go”, captain Tim Paine said on Wednesday, as Australia appear set for a new opening partnership in the high-stakes third Test against India this week.
The cricketing heavyweights head into the clash with the series locked at 1-1, with both desperate for a win ahead of the final game in Brisbane next week.
Barring last-minute hiccups, Australia will welcome back veteran David Warner’s firepower at the top of the order with Pucovski tipped to make his debut alongside him after Joe Burns was dumped.
There had been speculation that selectors may stick with makeshift opener Matthew Wade even if Pucovski was fully recovered from the latest in a series of concussions.
But Paine hinted the 22-year-old, who smacked back-to-back Sheffield Shield double centuries this season, would play, which would see Wade drop back to his favoured number five and Travis Head likely axed.
“Davey’s been awesome, he brings really high intensity. It fills guys with confidence around him, he’s a player that you love having on your side,” said Paine of Warner’s return from a groin injury.
“He’s always got plenty to say, really energetic, very professional. And Will’s been fantastic as well,” he added. “He’s been out of the bubble for a couple of...
