Shane Warne discusses the best possible Australian Test XI

With Australia staring a probable defeat in the second Test against Pakistan, the legendary Shane Warne is trying to combine the best Australian Test XI from the current lot of players. Completely disappointed with their recent performances, Warne asked his followers for suggestions. He initially shared his best Aussie XI and was open to making a few changes based on the suggestions from his followers.

Surprisingly, Warne didn’t have skipper Tim Paine in his initial playing XI. Instead, he had Alex Carey as the wicketkeeper while Aaron Finch was his captain. It came as a surprise since Finch has just played his first Test series. The spin wizard also had D’Arcy Short opening the proceedings with Finch. Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh at No.3 and No.4.

He also preferred playing Marcus Stoinis over Mitchell Marsh who has been out of form for a while. Warne had two spinners in his initial team, Nathan Lyon as well as Ashton Agar. The pace attack features Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood with Stoinis being the fourth option.

Warne’s original XI:

Thinking of my best test team before Warner & Smith return. What about this for a first up attempt ? As I said this is just my initial thoughts & not a lock. Head ? Maxwell ? Anyone else ?

Finch (c)
Short
Khawaja
Marsh S
Stoinis
Carey (wk)
Agar
Cummins
Starc
Lyon
Hazlewood

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) October 18, 2018

However, after taking into account the views of his followers, Warne made further changes to the side. He put up a question regarding the recent form of the current batsmen. The likes of Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine and Matt Renshaw.

Last 5 Tests (including this Test):

Khawaja – 374 runs @ 41.55
S Marsh – 84 runs @ 9.33
M Marsh – 99 runs @ 11.00
Paine – 247 runs @ 49.40 (4 not outs)
Renshaw – 157 runs @ 15.70

9 inns for each except for Renshaw with 10 inns.

0 not outs for all except Paine.

— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) October 18, 2018

After checking the stats, Warne made a final change to the Australian XI. While he was mighty impressed with Tim Paine’s recent stats to keep him outside, he continued with Finch as the skipper. He also brought in Matt Renshaw instead of D’Arcy Short. Shaun Marsh and Ashton Agar made way for Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell in the side. There were no changes in the pace attack though alongside Lyon.

His altered XI:

Test side take 2 ! Thoughts followers ?

Finch (c)
Renshaw
Khawaja
Head
Maxwell
Paine (wk)
Stoinis
Cummins
Starc
Lyon
Hazlewood

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) October 18, 2018

Get the latest News and updates from Pakistan vs Australia series. Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.