Ashes 2021-22: Shane Warne suggests four changes to ENG’s XI for Boxing Day Test

Irrespective of them being right or wrong, Shane Warne has always been pretty vocal about his cricketing opinions. After the completion of the second Ashes Test match, the legend went on to recommend a few changes to the England side.

So far, the poms have struggled in the series, and have found it hard to match the Aussies. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that they have been totally outplayed in all three departments, in both the Tests. With the visitors trailing by 0-2 in the series, it’d take a herculean effort to win the remaining three Tests from here, and win the series.

While congratulating the Smith-led side for winning the second Test, the former leggie suggested a few changes that the Brits must consider. He was of the opinion that they needed to pick a spinner for the Boxing day Test.

Crawley, Wood, Bairstow, and Leach would make my team: Shane Warne

“Congrats to the Aussies on a hard-fought win. England have a lot to do heading to Melbourne as they are now 2-0 down. They must start by picking the correct team including a spinner for the conditions. Crawley, Wood, Bairstow & Leach would make my team. For Oz Cummins for Neeser,” read Shane Warne’s Tweet.

Congrats to the Aussies on a hard fought win. England have a lot to do heading to Melbourne as they are now 2-0 down. They must start by picking the correct team including a spinner for the conditions. Crawley, Wood, Bairstow & Leach would make my team. For Oz Cummins for Neeser

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) December 20, 2021

While Bairstow and Wood have been decent in the longest format of the game of late, Crawley hasn’t been at his best this year. In fact, post his double hundred against Pakistan in 2020, he has scored just one fifty. However, it might be worth a try as both the English openers have been far from impressive.

An important point to be noted is that the 52-year-old also spoke about just the one change for the hosts. Nevertheless, taking the current form of the Aussie players into account, not too many players have done wrong. On the other hand, the Root-led side are in a spot to bother.

While the third Test is at the MCG, the home team have a superb record over there. However, what comes as a motivation for the touring party, India did manage to beat Australia at the MCG during the previous summer. Thus, the upcoming Test is all set to be a mouth-watering contest.