'Deserved another chance': Shane Warne surprised with Test selection recall

Shane Warne said he was surprised Cameron Bancroft earned a Test recall after a lean run in the Sheffield Shield.

The spin-king was talking to reporters at the President’s Cup on Tuesday and offered his insight into why he thought Marcus Harris deserved a Test recall after a blistering start to the Shield.

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Bancroft has struggled domestically scoring 59 runs at 11.80, while Harris has averaging 53.20.

This is despite the pair both struggling against the Duke ball during the Ashes.

Warne said Harris’ form warranted selection.

“I would’ve liked to see Marcus Harris there (in the squad), I thought he deserved another chance,” Warne told reporters.

“He's been in pretty good form too. Joe Burns, I like that selection.

“I’m a little surprised with Cameron Bancroft being in the squad.

“Whether he gets the nod, we’ll have to wait and see but I was a little surprised after his form in England.”

Bancroft only managed a high score of 16 in four innings against England during the Ashes series.

But he managed a solid 49 for Australia A last week in a dire team performance against Pakistan.

Paine on top-order

A top-order Test reunion between Joe Burns and David Warner could be just the tonic as Australia skipper Tim Paine searches for batsmen to support Steve Smith.

Australia begin their Test summer against Pakistan at the Gabba on Thursday having recalled Queensland opener Joe Burns, who is likely to beat Cameron Bancroft to the role as Warner's opening partner.

The recent Ashes retention in England was largely thanks to Smith's historic 774-run haul as Warner, Bancroft and the since-axed Marcus Harris all floundered against the new ball.

Paine says the clear connection between the recalled Burns and Warner is a positive as they prepare for a reunion three years in the making.

"It's always nice when you can find an opening combination that can get along," said Paine.

"Dave and Joe have a unique relationship; they're both a bit different, both rare units and they can sort of keep each other entertained."