GIVE THEM TWO TESTS

SHANE Warne says Matthew Wade and Glenn Maxwell should be given two Ashes Test matches to prove themselves in Australia’s unsettled middle order.

The spin king urged Australia to stick with the pair as a critical round of Sheffield Shield matches — before the first Test team is named — begins today.

Warne said “Maxi is the X-factor” and Wade had a “fantastic tour of India” with the gloves this year.

Warne said “boldness” was the solution to Australia’s selection uncertainty and warned against choosing big-hitting all-rounder Hilton Cartwright, 25, over Maxwell.

“Maxwell can also bowl a little and he’s the best ground fieldsman we’ve got,” Warne said.

“It’s a compelling package. He knows now when to bring the awesome, and when to reel it in. He can make things happen.”

The 708-wicket Test legend said Australia had committed “a succession of stuff-ups” with its wicketkeepers.

But after erring by axing Brad Haddin for Peter Nevill and then Nevill for Wade last summer, Warne said it was time for continuity.

“Matthew Wade should never have been given a second chance to stand behind the stumps for his country, but it would be an even bigger blue to drop him now,” he said.

“We’ve twice made tough, but wrong decisions. Let’s not do it a third time.”

Warne said boom kid Jake Lehmann’s time would come and tipped young quick Pat Cummins to rip through England as the leading wickettaker for the series.

He wants the young quick to be deployed as an impact bowler, similar to how former captain Michael Clarke used tearaway Mitchell Johnson.

“I don’t think the Poms understand just how fast [Cummins] is and how good he is going to be,” Warne said.

Maxwell will bat No. 3 for Victoria against Tasmania at the MCG today after posting two half-centuries in last week’s draw against South Australia.

Cartwright made a pair for Western Australia last week, denting his Ashes hopes. The Warriors host South Australia today.

Maxwell has played seven Test matches and scored a brilliant century against India in March.

But the Victorian is yet to wear the baggy green on home soil and Warne said the speculation over the No. 6 position was unhelpful.

“The hosts look unsettled, even a little confused,” he said.