Will Pucovski chosen for test team, Joe Burns eliminated

Will Pucovski could still miss the Sydney test despite entering the Australian test team for the last two tests of the Indian series, according to Adam Gilchrist.

Pucovski is one of three inclusions to Justin Langer’s squad, joining David Warner and Sean Abbott as Australia prepare for a top-of-the-order reshuffle following the removal of Joe Burns.

The 22-year-old hasn’t hit since suffering a concussion in an Australia A game ahead of the India Series’ first test, and Gilchrist says that could count against him.

“My natural instinct is that if you bring someone on a team, Pucovski style, you’re probably going to play them. It might not be that safe,” he told Fox Sports.

“They could get him into the squad so he can start training at a higher level and be fully engaged with the squad and the high quality training that goes with it.

“Since his blow to the head he hasn’t really had another cricket to go play, so maybe they bring more as a cover if something else happened or they wanted to play it. in the fourth test. “

With Burns sidelined, Gilchrist said middle-ranked batsman Travis Head was under the most pressure to hold onto his spot for the final two tests.

“Matt Wade made a very strong argument for staying on top of the order through determination and combat and that natural characteristic that comes through in his game,” he said.

“He didn’t capitalize on the big runs, but I think they’ll probably keep Wade on top with Warner and keep that middle order as stable as possible.

“That will put the focus on Travis Head – he’ll have to do some big runs. I don’t think he’s fallen for the selectors yet, I think they’ll trust him for at least one more test match. .

“Then if any changes need to be made they will obviously have Pucovski there with a week of solid good training under his belt with the team. He will be there for Brisbane if they want to make a change.”

Australia and India have just over a week to go until the SCG New Years Test starts on January 7, ahead of the Series Finals in Brisbane on January 15.

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