Australian spin legend Shane Warne has backed the selection of pacer Ryan Harris in the XI for the first Ashes Test to be played at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
Warne, who had always tormented the English batsmen throughout his career, opined that a fit Harris should take the place of Josh Hazlewood in the side.
Warne said that Hazlewood has bowled beautifully and was a perfect new ball bowler for English conditions but, for him, Harris was one of the greatest fast bowlers Australia have had, news.co.au reported.
He added that England have got a few budgies against Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc was probably the best fast bowler in the world at the moment, so Hazlewood might be unlucky to miss out.
Hazlewood was adjudged Man of the Series in Australia’s recent tour of West Indies this month and has been bowling brilliantly, taking 24 wickets at an average of 19 in his first five Tests.
Warne added that it was an opportunity for Australia to expose Alastair Cook’s deficiencies in his captaincy and if Michael Clarke could put the foot on the throat and target Cook early, it would be nice to see that disparity between the captains.
Meanwhile, the greatest cricketing rivalry between the two nations will begin from July 8 in Cardiff. (ANI)