“I would pick him to open” – Mark Taylor finds the potential Australian opener for India Tests | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

“I would pick him to open” – Mark Taylor finds the potential Australian opener for India Tests

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | Byhindustantimes.com
Nov 15, 2020 06:21 PM IST

Former Australian captain Mark Taylor has urged the national selectors to pick in-form Will Pucovski to open the batting against India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Will Pucovski received maiden Australia call-up following a promising run in the ongoing domestic season. Successive double hundreds in the Sheffield Shield led him to the Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series.

Former Australian captain Mark Taylor(Twitter)
Former Australian captain Mark Taylor(Twitter)

Puckovski missed the opening two rounds of the competition. Still, he has scored 495 runs so far this season in three innings and is currently the tournament’s highest run-scorer. His batting prowess has impressed former Australian captain Mark Taylor, who has urged the national selectors to pick in-form Pucovski to open the batting against India.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“Pucovski said he’s ready - he’s made two double hundreds. Pick him while he’s in form. He has the potential to be a player for the next decade,” said Taylor on Channel 9’s ‘Sports Sunday’.

ALSO READ | ‘He’s doing it very well’: Mark Taylor calls star India batsman a ‘very powerful guy’

On the other hand, incumbent opener Joe Burns averaged 32 for Australia last summer and has had below-par start to the Sheffield Shield season, scoring 57 runs from five innings.

“I would play Will Pucovski and leave Joe Burns out. Burns averages 38 in Test cricket he’s been a solid player for Australia without being a great one,” Taylor added.

Pucovski was on the brink of making it to the Test squad in late 2018 but stepped away from the game, citing mental health concerns. Taylor also praised the youngster for taking a six-week break from cricket to deal with mental health issues.

“He’s been open and honest about it from the word go that wouldn’t have been easy. In the sides I played in it would have been seen as a sign of weakness now it’s seen as a sign of strength. His openness and his transparency with his mental health issues have really helped him, and I think has set a really good example for young sports people,” Taylor said.

ALSO READ | ‘India deserved to beat us’: Coach Justin Langer opens up on Australia’s 2018-19 Test series defeat

However, head coach Justin Langer has hinted that he is likely to stick with Burns at the top for the opening Test in Adelaide beginning December 17.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and exclusive insights on the MI vs SRH Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times Website and Apps.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On