Aussie odd couple set for reunion

A TOP-ORDER Test reunion between Joe Burns and David Warner could be the tonic as Australia skipper Tim Paine searches for batsmen to support Steve Smith.

Australia opens its Test summer against Pakistan at the Gabba tomorrow having recalled Queensland opener Burns.

The recent Ashes retention in England was largely thanks to Smith’s 774run haul as Warner, Cameron Bancroft and the since-axed Marcus Harris floundered against the new ball.

Paine says the connection between the recalled Burns and Warner is a positive as they prepare for a reunion three years in the making.

“It’s always nice when you can find an opening combination that can get along,” Paine said. “Dave and Joe have a unique relationship; they’re a bit different, both rare units and they can sort of keep each other entertained.”

Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer’s close bond was well documented on their way to 5655 runs at the top of the Australian order — second most in Test history — and Matthew Wade says the Warner-Burns connection is plain to see.

“I think you have to be a little bit weird to want to open the batting and they get along really well; I know the banter flies around at training with those two,” Wade said.

Warner and Burns opened 19 times in Tests between 2015-16, amassing 842 runs at 44.31 with four century stands.

Two of them came at the Gabba as Burns made a maiden Test century.

But the duo could not manage more than three runs between them in their past six partnerships.

Together again after suspensions and non-selections, their union could become Warner’s most successful.

Of the 12 different combinations he has formed, Ed Cowan (1245 runs at 44.85) and Chris Rogers (2053 at 51.32) have been the most fruitful.

Swift progress towards those marks would please Paine, who says Australia cannot afford to lean heavily on Smith this summer.

“We want to get an opening partnership that puts runs on the board, does it consistently for a number of years,” he said.

“I know they enjoy batting together, so we’re certainly hopeful that jells back quickly again.”