Joe Burns dropped: Australia announce Test squad for Sydney and Brisbane Tests; David Warner, Will Pucovski return

Joe Burns dropped: Australia have dropped their opening batsman after his repeated failures at the highest level.

Opening batsmen David Warner and Will Pucovski and fast bowler Sean Abbott have returned for the remaining third and fourth Tests against India set to be played in Sydney and Brisbane respectively.

The trio had suffered respective injuries which had kept them out of action for the first two Test matches. With the series level at 1-1, Australia would be relieved to have them at their disposal.

Both Warner and Pucovski’s fitness statuses were main points of discussion during the recently concluded second Test in Melbourne. Had it not been for a concussion injury that he suffered in a tour match against India A, the latter would have made his Test debut in the first Test at the Adelaide Oval.

“David has made strong progress in his recovery from injury and will be given every chance to play in Sydney with another seven days until the match. Sean has fully recovered from a calf strain and is also available for selection,” National selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement.

“Will is in the final stages of the graduated return to play protocols and has been symptom free for some time. He will be fit to play in Sydney subject to completing the return to play protocols and an independent assessment,” Hohns added.

Joe Burns dropped

Opening batsman Joe Burns, who had scored 319 runs in 12 innings at an average of 29 including three half-centuries, has eventually been dropped after a lean patch. With a sword always hanging over his Test spot, Burns seems to have succumbed to it after registering three single-digits scores against India.

The 31-year old player will now represent Brisbane Heat in the ongoing 10th season of the Big Bash League.

“Joe Burns has been released from the squad and will return to the Brisbane Heat. Unfortunately, Joe’s returns haven’t been what he or the selectors would like or what we consider he is capable of,” Hohns said of Burns.

If Australia chose to play both Warner and Pucovski in the New Year’s Test, it will be interesting to see what they do with batsman Matthew Wade’s batting position.