Former Australia captain Mark Taylor backed in-form Victorian right-hander Will Pucovski to open the batting in Tests against India instead of Rory Burns. 

Taylor also heaped praise on the bravery of the 22-year-old to open up on his mental health concerns and go on a break when he seemed set to make his Test debut back in the 2018-19 summer. 

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Pucovski was on Thursday (November 12) renamed in Australia's Test squad on the back of a record-breaking start to the Sheffield Shield season where he currently averages a humoungous 247.50.

"I would play Will Pucovski and leave Joe Burns out. Burns averages 38 in Test cricket he's been a solid player for Australia without being a great one," said Taylor on Channel 9's 'Sports Sunday'.

"Pucovski said he's ready – he's made two double hundreds. Pick him while he's in form. He has the potential to be a player for the next decade."

Burns and Pucovski are deemed in a fight to claim the role of David Warner's partner at the top. The duo look set to open together in the warm-up matches versus the Indians from where their fate will be sealed. 

For Taylor, however, there is no doubt who the selectors should opt for. 

"He's (Pucovski's) been open and honest about it (mental health issues) from the word go that wouldn't have been easy. In the sides I played in it would have been seen as a sign of weakness now it's seen as a sign of strength," Taylor said.

"I like the fact Victorian coach Chris Rodgers has had a word to him about batting at the top of the order. He's done that, made two double hundreds, and he's once again publicly come out and said, 'I now feel good, I'm enjoying my cricket, I'm ready."

"His openness and his transparency with his mental health issues have really helped him, and I think has set a really good example for young sports people," he added. 

The four-match Test series between Australia and India kickstarts on December 17. 

(Inputs from PTI)