Lehmann backs Burns with Warner out

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Cricket365
December 15, 2020

Australia face something of an opening conundrum after David Warner suffered a groin injury and has been ruled out of the Test series opener which starts in Adelaide on Thursday.

The veteran opener sustained the knock during the second ODI between the two nations last week, and with promising youngster Will Pucovski already out with a concussion, out of form Rory Burns appears to be the incumbent.

Whilst there have been suggestions Shaun Marsch should be used as an opener, former Australia coach Lehman has a different view.

“The one good thing about Joe Burns is his record shows when he does get runs he gets hundreds and that’s a big win in terms of Test-match play,” Sydney Morning Herald quoted Lehmann as saying.

“I think they’ll stick with him, but that’s only my personal opinion. I think they probably should. A lot of people want to change things around and if David Warner was there it might be a bit different for him.

“But with no Warner, I think you’ve got to have some sort of experience.”

Burns or Harris to be dropped

Burns has a pitiful 62 runs in nine First-Class matches this season, might not even be in the final matchday squad, after coach Justin Langer confirmed earlier on Tuesday that one of Burns or Marcus Harris will sit out in order to incorporate all-round sensation Cameroon Green at number six.

This will likely mean Matthew Wade will move one up the order.

Harris, meanwhile, has an average of just 24 after nine Tests, and failed to impress in two warm-up matches against the touring Indians.

“It’s always a tough call picking a side as I know,” Lehmann continued.

“There are a lot of outside influences. At the end of the day they’ll just make a call and go with it.

“There is nothing wrong with sticking with Joe Burns. He’ll have to get some runs and he probably understands that.

“But he’s a good player who plays fast bowling pretty well and they’ve got a pretty good fast bowling attack.

“He just needs a little bit of luck. He hasn’t had much luck, coupled with a couple of indifferent shots. But cricket can turn quite quickly. He’s got a great pull shot, hook shot and can take the game on if needs to and can leave the ball well.

“The runs will come for Joe if he keeps doing the basics well enough. It’s all mental now I think.”