Pick the in-form batsman –Waugh

FORMER selector Mark Waugh says form should be the only guide for picking the Test team in another strong push for WillPucov ski to open with David Warner against IndiainA delaide.

Australian coach Justin L anger, also a selector, has suggested his preference is to stick with Joe Burns because of the partnership he formed with Warner at the top of the order last summer in series wins over Pakistan and New Zealand.

Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said Warner would be consulted because “it’s important [Warner] is comfortable as well ”.

But Waugh, pictured, a selector from 2014-18, said he could not remember asking a player about selection beyond “a chat at the airport” and Warner should bat with whoever was picked.

“There has been a lot of push for Joe Burns to be picked because David Warner wants to bat with him, which is not on,” he said.

“David Warner bats with whoever is selected.

“You pick the best player, the best two opening batsmen. Whoever it is they can work out how to bat with each other.

“I think the most important thing to focus on is obviously the position, a specialist position and whether you’re in for mor not.

“There’s a bit of credit for experience and runs beforehand. But it’s all about the form rather than who someone wants to bat with .”

Waugh said he would go with Pucovski, 22, who scored two double-hundreds for Victoria to earn selection in the Test squad, ahead of Burns, who did not pass 30 in five innings for Queensland.

“I think he’s just in such great form and you strike while their on is hot ,” he told RSN.

“When you are not making runs you open up discussions about your spot, and that’s been the case with Joe Burns .”

Warner said he would be “honest” if asked, but would bat with whoever was picked.

“It’s on the selectors to pick the team,” he said.