Cricket Australia: Pucovski, Green, and Abbott picked for Tests Against India

However, slowly cricket has learned to adapt. Protocols have been made and implemented so that major cricket leagues like the Indian Premier League and the Big Bash League will be able to continue this year. If you’re a cricket fan, then this means that you can bet on the India cricket team online, as well as other cricket teams and squads that will be competing before the year ends.

Recently, Cricket Australia announced the members of the squad that will be participating in the upcoming Test series against India this December. Tim Paine will captain the team, with Will Pucovski and Cameron Green the two most likely uncapped players included in the squad to actually play.

Australia Test squad to face India: Tim Paine (c), Sean Abbott, Joe Burns, David Warner, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Swepson, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon

Cricket Australia’s national selector Trevor Hohns talked about this selection in an official statement. He said, “What we saw in the opening rounds of the Marsh Sheffield Shield were several players performing exceptionally well. It is such a positive sign for Australian cricket to have so many good young players stepping into contention for the Test and Australia A selection.

“Huge praise should go to the South Australian Cricket Association, the coaches, players, and all those involved in delivering such a high-quality block of Shield matches in challenging circumstances. The SACA went above and beyond to deliver great quality wickets and conditions for the players to thrive.” He also announced that Pat Cummins will be the vice-captain of this Test squad.

Now, when it comes to the Aussie prodigy’s Test debut, there have been reports that David Warner could have a final say on who it will be. Pucovski’s rapid rise pretty much guaranteed himself selection for the squad with back-to-back double-centuries for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield. However, determining where he will fit in the line-up could be a challenge.

When talking about Pucovski, Hohns said, “Will’s in fantastic form. He’s not just in good form, he’s in great form. As far as Will goes, and this goes with all our players, we check their health and wellbeing. Will’s good to go. We’re hopeful he’ll be fine all the way through.”

Hohns did back Pucovski to have the quality to take the opening spot in the line-up, even though he only moved up the order from the No.3 spot recently. Hohns said that Pucovski has the game to handle opening and that is something that they have already seen. However, Hohns said that whether Pucovski open for Australia will be addressed closer to the time of the match.

Joe Burns opened for Australia last summer, and his strong understanding with opening partner Warner could prove decisive.

Hohns said, “Joe Burns is the incumbent. The partnership he formed with David Warner has been instrumental in helping Australia get to the No.1 position in the world Test rankings. We’ll take all that into account. But of course, it would be nice to have everybody in the form right now. We still have those Australia A games to have a look before selection for the first Test match.”

Hohns also said that Warner’s opinion will also be considered. “It’s important [Warner] is comfortable as well, provided we are of course, with the person he opens with. We certainly do consult players on such issues.”

Overall, according to the board of Cricket Australia, the selectors chose the expanded squad while considering the bio-secure hubs that the team will be part of. The need to plan for replacing players at short notice was also kept in mind. The first Test against India will be on December 17 to 21 and will be held at the Adelaide Oval.