Australian spin legend Shane Warne heaped praise on England leg-spinner Matt Parkinson saying that cricketer will make a huge impact in the upcoming Ashes 2021-2022 to be played Australia as he feels the Lancashire bowler is perfectly suited to the conditions down under.
The Aussie great is currently in England as London Spirit's head coach in The Hundred. He was highly impressed by the 24-year-old performance in the recent ODI series against Pakistan.
Warne said, “I love watching him. I've been watching him from afar and been very impressed so far. I think Parkinson is very, very good. I really like the look of the way he bowls and he is a great addition to the white-ball cricket, but also I see him playing a huge part in Test cricket, especially in Australia.”
He further added: “I wouldn't be surprised in that first Test match at the Gabba if he is penciled in the XI. I think of the Australian conditions, the pace he bowls, the amount of bounce and spin he gets, I think he is perfectly suited to Australian conditions. So I think he has a big role to play and he might even play a Test match through the summer.”
However, Parkinson, who averages 24 in the first-class cricket, wasn’t picked for the first two Tests against India, but Warne said: “I wouldn't be surprised if they (England) have a look at him during the India series thinking about the Ashes down the track.”
Meanwhile, Zak Crawley has been struggling for the runs in Test cricket since his stunning 267 against Pakistan at Southampton last year, but Warne urged England to stick with the Kent batsman.
He added, “Zak Crawley is one of the most impressive young players I have seen for a long time. He has a fantastic technique, both spin, and pace he plays well, he has all the shots. Now it is about him thinking his way through certain situations and thinking better about the game, having that more experience. I hope England sticks with Zak Crawley because he is as good a young player as I have seen.”
Warner also hailed England’s white-ball captain Eoin Morgan. He signed off by saying, “He is such an impressive guy, Morgs. He has the ability to get the best out of his players and the ability to inspire people too. Hopefully, we make a pretty good combination and team together.”
(With AFP Inputs)
