Will Pucovski and Joe Burns have both failed in their bids to impress Australian selectors after their much-hyped bat-off against India’s quicks flopped.
Pucovski went for just one, cutting Umesh Yadav to point in the Australia A tour match before Burns was caught behind two overs later by the same bowler for four.
The pair could well open together in the first Test against India at the Adelaide Oval if David Warner does not recover from a groin injury in time.
If he is fit, selectors will be forced to choose just one of the pair.
Burns is the clear front-runner with team management, having been backed by coach Justin Langer after finishing last summer as the incumbent.
However he has passed 11 just once in his five Sheffield Shield innings so far this year, and went when he tried to leave Yadav on Monday.
Pucovski meanwhile hit double centuries in two of his three innings for Victoria this summer, and is seen as a star of the future.
But his attempt to press his case didn’t go to plan at Sydney’s Drummoyne Oval, surviving an lbw appeal from a Mohammed Siraj inswinger before being caught.
The Indians had earlier declared at 9-247 on the second morning of the tour match, with Ajinkya Rahane finishing unbeaten on 117.
Australia A also lost Jackson Bird to a calf/Achilles injury, after he limped off the field as he ran in to bowl just the third ball of the day.
He will be sent for scans ahead of his Big Bash campaign with the Sydney Sixers, who also lost Tom Curran from their squad on Monday.
James Pattinson was the best of the bowlers with 3-58.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He got "40 or more" playing that very good shot. He plays it very well. Just remember, the bowlers and fieldsmen try too. Paine won this battle.
Micko
Roar Rookie
"...and his scores included a duck, two ones and a six." That seems pretty consistent to me! :silly:
The Bush
Roar Guru
If that's wrong, I don't wanna be right! :laughing:
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
It's part of the professionalism of a sport. Players are expected to work extra hard on all aspects of the game, including fitness and fielding. Just scoring runs isn't enough. Especially if there are other players doing that also, who do seem to put that extra effort into those other things.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Not an allrounder
matth
Roar Guru
Not one comment on this article suggested leaving out Pucovski.
Kalva
Roar Rookie
Just like what happened 2 years ago!
Micko
Roar Rookie
If I'd write anyone off it'd be Burns. Just doesn't look comfortable batting at all at the moment.
Micko
Roar Rookie
I'd dump Wade over Head anyday.
Micko
Roar Rookie
The way Burns is getting out is alarming. Just doesn't look in form or comfortable at the crease at all.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Who's written Pucovski off? This is just a usual clickbait article. Most of us know players like Green & Pucovski are ready if called upon.
Rellum
Roar Guru
It is just wrong. Like keeping in short sleeves.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Morne Morkel but also very Joel Garner.
Rellum
Roar Guru
This is hilarious. Pucovski has one failure and already sections of the media and enough roarers have already written him off as a Test chance. It's like they really don't know how cricket works. He can't score 200 every innings.
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Burns clearly out of form and should not play in the test. How many times do we have to see him fail to understand this ?
ols
Roar Pro
Ridiculously good of course :silly:
John Timothy
Guest
Let's hope Warner will be fit and ready to go! If he misses out, then Harris should open the batting with Pucovski. Give them the exposure to Shami, Bumrah, Yadav & Siraj. Tough times don't last, tough people do.
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
You make a solid point
Jeff
Roar Rookie
This is Langer's 3rd summer as head coach.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Morne Morkel/Joel Garner