AUS vs IND: 3rd Test – David Warner, Will Pucovski return; Joe Burns axed

Suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of India in the recently-concluded Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, Australia have decided to make a few changes for the third Test. The selectors have added David Warner and Will Pucovski to the squad while Joe burns has been dropped.

Both Warner and Pucovski were in line to play in the first Test of the series, however, they were ruled out due to injuries. While Warner suffered a groin injury in the ODI series, Pucovski was sidelined due to a concussion injury which he underwent in the practice match against India.

After Australia’s poor batting performances in the first two Test matches, both the players will be in contention to make a return to the team straight away. If included this will be Pucovski’s Test debut for Australia.

JUST IN: Joe Burns has been dropped as David Warner and Will Pucovski return to the Australian Test squad. Details: https://t.co/muyWqmxPLv #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/lrp072uwaC

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 30, 2020

Australia’s current opener Joe Burns has failed to impress in the series. Apart from his unbeaten 51 in the second innings in Adelaide, the opener has scored only 12 runs in the other three knocks. Moreover, he has looked incredibly susceptible against the Indian bowlers.

National selector Trevor Hohns said, “Joe Burns has been released from the squad and will return to the Brisbane Heat. Unfortunately, Joe’s returns haven’t been what he or the selectors would like or what we consider he is capable of.”

Australia will train in Melbourne on January 2 and 3 before moving to Sydney on January 4. The third Test match between India and Australia begins on 7th January at the Sydney Cricket Ground.