Hohns backs Will’s power

But Warner to have say on opener

WILL Pucovski has been declared “good to go” by selectors for a baptism of fire against India in the first Test, but David Warner will be consulted on the final decision.

National selector Trevor Hohns reflected the excitement of the nation yesterday when he ushered Pucovski and allrounder Cameron Green into the Test arena, as well as confirming Pat Cummins would take the reins as captain if something was to happen to Tim Paine.

The Victorian has smashed 595 runs from his past two matches at an average of 297, although they are the only outings he has had as an opener.

Despite that lack of experience, selectors are adamant he is a natural-born opener.

Hohns stopped short of guaranteeing Pucovski’s Test debut in Adelaide next month – noting Joe Burns’s incumbency will count for plenty in a looming selection showdown, in which Warner will be consulted on who partners him.

But fact selectors are confident the 22-year-old is mentally ready for the Test stage and a perfect fit as an opener, is surely a major endorsement of his chances of launching one of the most anticipated careers in decades.

“Will’s in fantastic form. He’s not just in good form, he’s in great form. I think that’s undeniable,” Hohns said.

“As far as Will goes, and that goes with all our players, we check their health and wellbeing.

“Will’s good to go.

“Will has the game to handle (opening) . . . as we’ve seen. OK, it’s only a couple of games, but prior to that he’s been batting at No 3, he certainly has the technique to handle the opening position if required.

“As far as whether he’ll make the starting line-up, we’ll address that closer to the time.”

The expectation is Pucovski has become an irresistible choice ahead of Burns, who has a solid Test career, but has struggled for runs to start the Sheffield Shield season.

But Hohns suggested Burns’s combination with Warner and incumbency in a team that went to No 1 in the world this year has him poised for a potential selection bat-off when the pair line-up for Australia A in a tour match against India A next month.

“It could well do. We’ll use the Australia A games as preparation for some of our Test players,” Hohns said.

“Joe Burns is the incumbent. The partnership he formed with David Warner has been instrumental in helping Australia get to the No 1 position in the world Test rankings.

“It’s important (Warner) is comfortable, provided we are, of course, with the person he opens with. We certainly do consult players on such issues.”