Shane Warne calls Australian selectors confused after Tim Paine inclusion

Yesterday, Cricket Australia left everyone shocked when they announced the squad for the first two matches of the Ashes which included the likes of Tim Paine and Cameron Bancroft. Paine, who last represented Australia in October 2010, was a big surprise in the team particularly since he plays second fiddle to Matthew Wade for the Tasmanian team. 

With England going about their preparation quietly, and the first Test just five days away, Warne feels that the gaffe has put the visitors in the driving seat.

"England at the moment are just going along nicely,” Warne said at North Sydney Oval, reported Cricket.com.au.

“They're just doing their business. Australia look confused. They're picking wicketkeepers that aren't even keeping for their state.

“To me, I think England are in a better situation going into that first Test than what Australia are.”

Paine has only been deployed as a wicketkeeper at home this season during Cricket Australia XI’s match against England at the Oval, where he scored a half century while claiming five catches as well. Against Victoria, while playing for Tasmania, Paine scored an unbeaten 71. Former skipper Mark Taylor, while admitting that Paine’s selection was a “shock”, explained that the decision had been taken keeping the 32-year-old’s batting form in mind.

“I don’t think they’re confused. I think they’ve had Tim Paine higher on the pecking order than a lot of us did, and they’ve made a couple of form selections which I think are bold selections and good ones.” Taylor remarked.

“I think they’ve made some tough decisions, bold ones, up front. They’ve said this is the side we believe is the most in-form side to beat England and we’re going to pick it.”