Published: Dec 16, 2015, 12:35 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 16, 2015, 12:35 PM (IST)
Melbourne: Australian batsman Joe Burns revealed that he had discussed with opener David Warner about their plans to break the opening Test partnership record of Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer. Lavishing praise on Warner, the 26-year-old said that he considered himself quite lucky to have got the guidance of Warner regarding the opening in the Test cricket. Burns, whose selection for the Boxing Day Test against West Indies is in doubt following his dip in form, was preparing to play for the Brisbane Heat in their first Big Bash game against the Melbourne Renegades at the Gabba, News.com.au reported. SCORECARD: Australia vs West Indies, 2nd Test at Melbourne
Reflecting on his selection for the Melbourne Test, Burns said that he doesn’t ask about his selection in the Test squad as it would distract him. He, however, stressed that he consulted coach Darren Lehmann about the things that needed to be done to improve his batting. Earlier, Lehmann had raised the prospect that one of the two batsmen, Shaun Marsh or Usman Khawaja, was likely to open the Boxing Day Test at the expense of Burns, who has been struggling with form after scoring 71 and 129 in the first Test against New Zealand in Brisbane.
Meanwhile, ICC Player Rankings for Test Batsmen and bowlers were released after the Dunedin and Hobart Tests. As for the ICC Player Ranking for Test Bowlers, Josh Hazelwood’s seven wickets against West Indies helped him secure the 10th rank, while his off spinner Nathan Lyon has risen two spots as the 15th rank with three wickets in Hobart. New Zealand’s Trent Boult four wickets against Sri Lanka help him remain at the sixth rank, making him the top six bowlers.
