Former great middle-order batsman of Australia in the 90s Mark Waugh (who’s also called as Junior Waugh among Waugh brothers) has predicted his Australia playing XI for first test match of border-Gavaskar trophy.
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In the first practice match against India, the bowling all-rounder Chris Green has smashed 125 while remained not out as Mark Waugh reckons that Chris Green would be a better option to provide more depth into the batting line-up for Australia in the test series. In an interaction with Fox Sports, Mark Waugh stated –
“I think Green is a certain starter. You’ve got to play him. He looks so good, and he offers something with the ball as well.”
Mark Waugh also believed that Mathew Wade and Joe Burns has failed to utilize the opportunities given to them.
“It’s tough on Matthew Wade, but at the end of the day, when players don’t nail down their spot with consistent run-scoring or taking wickets, you leave the door open. I think Wade and Burns have both done that to a certain extent,” said Mark Waugh.
Mark Waugh’s Australia playing XI for the first Test at Adelaide:
Waugh reckons in the absence of David Warner Will Pucovski would like to open the innings with Marcus Harris who has great numbers against India. Joe Burns would not be a preference if Will Pucovski returns before the first test.
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While in the middle order Marcus Labuschagne and Steve Smith alongside Tim Paine complete the Australian line-up. The two bowling all-rounders in the form of Chris Green and Travis Head give depth in the line-up who can contribute with the bat as well as bowl too.
In the bowling division, Australia is at its best with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins two best frontline bowlers in recent times followed by Josh Hazelwood with the third fast bowler. The spin department is controlled by leading wicket-taker Nathan Lyon who has 85 wickets in the long history of the border-Gavaskar trophy.
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The test series will commence from 17 December with the first test match (day and night match) at Adelaide.
Mark Waugh Playing XI – Will Pucovski/Joe Burns, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Chris Green, Tim Paine (c, wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
