Legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne on Tuesday (December 24) said that Adelaide Strikers skipper Alex Carey is “putting a bit of pressure” on Tim Paine for a slot in Australia’s Test team.

WATCH: Alex Carey's one handed blinder to dismiss Matt Renshaw leaves fans in awe

Carey has looked in good touch in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL). The wicketkeeper batsman has registered the scores of 40-ball 45 and 24-ball 55 in Strikers’ two games so far.

On the other hand, Paine is struggling for runs at the highest level, averaging 30.40 from his 29 Tests. In his last seven Tests, the Australian skipper has passed the 50-run mark only once.

No wonder, Warne believes Paine’s spot is under threat.

“There’s so much to like about Alex Carey,” Warne quoted as saying by Fox Cricket.

“I think he could play as a batsman (and not keep).

“I think he’s putting a bit of pressure on Tim Paine anyway.

“I think Tim Paine, we want him to captain Australia for as long as we possibly can.

“He’s done a great job, he's the best keeper in the country but he’s got to make some runs at No.7.

Warne then explained how Carey will allow Australia to play two spinners.

“I think if he [Paine] is not making runs, then suddenly that Alex Carey prospect, he keeps well behind the stumps but his batting, suddenly you bat so deep and it allows you to play two spinners.

“He could bat at No. 6 if he wanted to, you can play an extra bowler, it just gives you lots of options.”

Alex Carey has represented Australia in 29 ODIs and 25 T20Is thus far. The southpaw averages an impressive 40.20 in the 50-over format with four half-centuries.

In First-Class cricket, Carey has amassed 1924 runs at an average of 33.75 from 36 games with 4 centuries and 10 fifties.