Ahead of the Day-Night Adelaide Test against India starting December 17, Australia's opening batsman Joe Burns said having a strong bond with your opening partner is “crucially important” to establish a strong foundation for the team at the top of the order in the traditional format of the game.
With David Warner likely to miss the first Test of the upcoming four-Test series on December 17 at Adelaide Oval, Burn is set to have a new opening partner probably in Will Pucovski against a strong India bowling attack and he said it would be crucial for them to have an understanding of each other's game.
However, before the first Day-Night Test, Burns and Pucovski will get the opportunity to create that bind when both teams will lock horns in a three-day practice match starting on Sunday, December 6.
Burns said, “I think it is crucially important. Opening batters are always batting at the same time of the game against the same opposition, so you work really closely together on what your plans are.”
He further explained, “It's something me and Davey did really well, being able to understand the game and control the tempo of the game, realizing how your games complement each other to apply pressure to the opposition.
I haven't had a chance to bat too often with Will ... so games like the Australia 'A' game and the lead-up to it; it's a crucial part of our preparation as a Test squad.”
The opener also believes that the upcoming practice match against India 'A' will also be an opportunity for other players to gel together ahead of the four-match Test series.
Burns concluded, “For not only me and Will but for all the guys in the squad to jell together, make sure our plans are good and to take the momentum of working together into that Test series.”
(With cricket.com.au Inputs)
