Pucovski ready for Test debut
Young Victorian mounts irresistible case
WILL Pucovski is set to storm into Australia’s Test squad this week, as selectors zero in on a 17- man roster to defeat India.
The Victorian super bat secured his second consecutive double century in the Sheffield Shield on Monday, and his rush of history- making form comes on the back of a significant statement he made on a recent podcast that he felt he would be mentally ready for a Test debut this summer.
At the least, Australian selectors will want Pucovski in the squad, but his case to open the batting alongside David Warner has become close to irresistible, particularly with incumbent Joe Burns struggling.
The bigger debate might be whether Burns can survive in the squad at all, with heat being applied by veteran Usman Khawaja after a timely century, and Victoria’s other opener Marcus Harris.
“Burns has made not many runs at all in this summer and there comes a time where you think to yourself, ‘ well, where is Burns going?’,” Ian Chappell told the ABC.
“He’s probably not going anywhere, really, and it’s time to have a look at Pucovski.
“What’s that now? Six or seven first- class centuries?
“That includes a couple of doubles. He’s ready.”
Another former Test captain, Michael Clarke, is equally convinced that Pucovski is ready to face India in the forthcoming Test series between to top- ranked sides in the world.
“Got to pick him ... this is a great way to work him into that Australian team,” Clarke said on Sky Sports radio yesterday.
“Yeah, it’s against a good team, India, but this kid’s ready … With ( David) Warner as his opening partner, ( Marnus) Labuschagne as his No. 3, ( Steve) Smith as his No. 4, that’s the leadership and experience you need around you as a young batsman.”
Michael Neser and James Pattinson shape as Australia’s top reserve fast bowler options for the extended squad, while Sean Abbott and Jackson Bird have built strong cases for inclusion as a third back- up option.
Queensland spinner Mitchell Swepson appears set to be drafted into the Test squad at some stage this summer, but likely from the start to cover the prospect of a Nathan Lyon finger injury in a summer where flying in a replacement at the drop of a hat isn’t necessarily that easy.
There is increasing confidence that squad extras might be able to play Big Bash matches during Tests, if they’re not in the 12.
Test great Ian Healy last week called for selectors to do what they haven’t done previously and back Burns in.
Burns was axed for last year’s Ashes despite scoring 180 in his last Test, however, circumstances are different this time because it’s been almost a full year since Australia’s last Test and Pucovski is in undisputedly golden form.
Khawaja presents an intriguing case because he can bat anywhere in the top four and has a proven record in Australian conditions.
Australian selectors are looking to name Australia’s Test squad this week, and met last week to map out who would represent Australia A in the two tour matches this year.