Warner is still among our best 11 players to win first Test: George Bailey

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Perth. After former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson launched a scathing attack on David Warner’s selection for the first Test against Pakistan starting on December 14, chief selector George Bailey came out in support of the left-handed opener and said he Still the best option to open with Usman Khawaja.

Earlier this year, Warner had expressed his desire to end his Test career in the third and final Test against Pakistan on his home ground in Sydney. Although Warner has been in exceptional form in white-ball cricket, he has averaged only 31.79 since the start of 2020 and has scored only 285 runs at an average of 28.50 in five Ashes Tests this year.

“Ultimately, we still think he’s one of our best 11 players to win a first Test. I think in terms of Test cricket, the way World Test Championship points are determined,” Bailey told reporters. “Every Test is important. Points are on the line for every match.”

“So our focus is on picking the 11 that we think can do the job and obviously each individual has a role to play in that and how it really builds the whole team and we think David will be up to it.” Is the right person.”

Speaking further about Warner, Bailey said, “Obviously Dave would like to finish through the series in Sydney, and we completely respect that. We’ve been pretty consistent about the fact that with any player, it depends on how they perform as an individual, and how that performance actually fits into the function of the team, and This will not change.

“We get the advantage of having a home Test series and being able to select our team Test by Test. And it’s not specific to Dave, but I think all players, it’s about the performance and how it fits into the team which will determine the shape of the team in any Test.

Bailey also pointed out that replacing Warner in Australia’s Test team could be a long journey, as was the case when searching for Shane Warne’s replacement from 2007 to 2011.

“The ability to put the opposition under pressure is very special, and should not be taken lightly. Whenever you have someone who has had such longevity and been so influential in a role, (it’s important) “That whatever expectations are managed there is going to be a replacement.”

“I think about what Warney accomplished as a spinner and how many spinners were brought in and out in an attempt to imitate Warney. I don’t think you’ve ever tried to imitate someone who To have played a role for so long. Nobody has done it the way they have.”

“I would put David in that category, the way he has opened the batting for Australia for so long. So we’re certainly conscious of making sure whoever comes in after David fits into his role “

–IANS

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