David Warner will be surrounded by familiar faces for his farewell to Test cricket with the Australian squad unchanged for Wednesday’s series finale against Pakistan at the SCG.
Warner will bring down the curtain on his illustrious Test career a short drive from where he grew up in Sydney’s east after controversially nominating this match as his preferred end point back in May.
His form has been well down for the past couple of years but he guaranteed his Sydney sign-off with a swashbuckling century at Perth in the First Test against Pakistan.
With the Australian selectors naming the same 13-man squad which accounted for Pakistan at the MCG, it looks like the home side will field the same 11-man line-up in all three Tests of the series.
Warner will be replaced at the top of the order for the two-Test home series against the West Indies next month by all-rounder Cameron Green or a specialist opener in Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw or Marcus Harris with coach Andrew McDonald confirming they were the only options the selectors are considering.
Chief selector George Bailey said the Australian team were determined to send Warner into retirement on a winning note.
“We look forward to celebrating David Warner’s final Test match and his incredible career at his home ground,” he said.
Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith (vc), Travis Head (vc), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Might be a good toss to lose
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
A fair point. I know that was spot on back when the Hill was a genuine grassy bank. but wonder if that's still the case, now that it's full of stands? If it's overcast on day 1, I can certainly see both captains being happy to bowl first.
ColinT
Roar Rookie
I think she has got bigger things to worry about than Sydneys test match. Like how not to disappoint all her believers praying for peace.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Ian Chappell’s view is that if it’s sunny in Sydney the batsmen will generally have a good day, but if it’s overcast it favours the bowlers, regardless of the state of the wicket. His belief is that it’s the overhead conditions that dictate the course of play in Sydney, a bit like in England. At the toss, look up, not down.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Because it doesn’t impact ticket sales. It’s a prime slot in the summer, and it’s an event. It some ways the cricket is a side show.
Faf
Roar Rookie
I totally understand why Travis head has been named twice.
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
Hopefully the curator can produce a wicket that gives plenty of opportunities bowlers & batsmen. I want to see a real contest, not a batting display on a road. It would also be nice to see Pakistan take all of the chances, especially the easy catches, to put pressure back onto Australia. There endth part 1 of BG's New Years wish list :happy:
Micko
Roar Rookie
Why would they "fight" if their weather in early January keeps ruining their NYT's???
KateS
Roar Rookie
I don't think swapping with Perth will help. There was heavy rain and flooding throughout NSW from Dec 14 to 17.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
What! How dare God not fall in line with Warner's grand plan
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Sydney will not give up the New Years test, not without a fight.
ColinT
Roar Rookie
The Sydney weather in January is very unpredictable. In the history of Australian test cricket Sydney has had more washed out test days than any other venue. Perhaps Warnie’s suggestion to move the Sydney test to December is the best solution. Perhaps swap dates with Perth. That would help Perth get bigger crowds and Sydney would get the first test and with less chance of rain.
Gary
Roar Rookie
First 4 days has showers predicted, not torrential downpours though... i guess we'll find out on the day.