Shane Warne calls Australian selectors confused after Tim Paine inclusion
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Shane Warne has claimed that England are now better placed heading into the 2017 Ashes after “confused” Australian selectors included Tim Paine in the squad. Mark Taylor, however, has justified the decision stating that the selectors have opted to include in-form players for the first two matches.
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
“To me, I think England are in a better situation going into that first Test than what Australia
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
“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.”
