VAL’S IN BOX SEAT
COWBOYS COURT STARS:
THE Test homecoming of Steve Smith and Australia’s all-conquering Ashes side is already cause for celebration but Tim Paine says a return to their Gabba fortress makes Thursday’s series opener even more special.
Queensland Cricket’s spiritual home and the traditional venue for Australia’s opening summer Test was snubbed last year, with India’s four-game series played in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide. The tourists won 2-1.
The decision sparked outcry given Australia’s formidable Gabba record – the side holds a 28-game unbeaten streak at the venue dating back to 1988 – and Paine says the return to Brisbane has lifted his squad.
“Last year we didn’t get the first Test in Brissy and it’s where we traditionally like to start, so it feels like the Australian summer when you get together and get out on the Gabba,” Paine said.
“It’s a great place for us to play – the wicket suits Australian sides really well, so to start here is fantastic and the boys are really looking forward to it.”
Australia dominated their most recent Gabba Test in January, smashing Sri Lanka by an innings and 40 runs, and boast an overall 60 per cent win record at the ground.
CRICKET: A top-order Test reunion of Joe Burns and David Warner could be just the tonic for Australia skipper Tim Paine as he searches for batsmen to support Steve Smith.
Australia begin their Test summer against Pakistan at the Gabba with Burns, who was confirmed as Warner’s opening partner yesterday by coach Justin Langer, back at the top of the order.
Australia’s recent retention of the Ashes in England was largely thanks to Smith’s historic 774-run haul as Warner, Cameron Bancroft and the since-axed Marcus Harris all floundered against the new ball.
Paine says the clear connection between the recalled Burns and Warner is a positive as the pair prepare for a reunion three years in the making.
“It’s always nice when you can find an opening combination that can get along,” the skipper said.
“Dave and Joe have a unique relationship – they’re both a bit different, both rare units and they can sort of keep each other entertained.”
Referencing Matthew Hayden and Langer’s close bond during their 5655 runs together at the top of the Australian order – the second most in Test history – Australia batsman 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.
“If they get the chance to get back together I’m sure they’ll be happy with that.”
Warner and Burns opened together 19 times in Tests in 2015-16, amassing 842 runs at 44.31 with four century stands.
Three of those came in their first three partnerships – two of them at the Gabba, where Burns motored to a maiden Test century.
But the duo couldn’t manage more than three runs between them in their last six partnerships, the most recent being the Hobart nightmare against a rampant South Africa in 2016.
With the pair back together again after suspensions and non-selections, their union could become Warner’s most successful.
Of the 12 different combinations he’s formed, Ed Cowan (1245 runs at 44.85) and Chris Rogers (2053 at51.32) have been the most fruitful.
Swift progress towards those marks would please Paine, who admits Australia can’t 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 gels back quickly again.”