Bryce McGain is ill, out of form and the first Test is being played on a Wanderers pitch suiting fast bowlers, but don’t tell Shane Warne.
The former world-record holder says the uncapped McGain, 36, should have been included in Australia’s team for the current Test against South Africa in Johannesburg.
Australia included three fast bowlers and all-rounders Marcus North and Andrew McDonald, leaving out spinners McGain and Nathan Hauritz.
“Bryce McGain is clearly the best spinner in Australia,” Warne told Cricinfo.
“I was disappointed that he was not picked for the first Test in South Africa. The South Africans don’t play wristies well.
“The hardest thing is that when you’re losing and the spinners are not having a big impact, they can be made the scapegoat.”
Australia selectors have used six specialist spinners since Warne’s retirement in January 2007: Cameron White, Beau Casson, Brad Hogg, Stuart MacGill, Jason Krejza and Nathan Hauritz.
“If they were winning they probably could have carried a McGain or a Casson or a Krejza,” Warne said.
“It’s a tough situation for the spinners. I would stick with one spinner … and that would be Bryce McGain.”
Warne says leg-spin bowling will be vital for both sides in the Ashes series in July.
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