Joe Burns has been elected as an opener for Australia's opening test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with Matthew Wade set to join the Queenslander at the top of the order, per Fox Sports.
The decision was reportedly made aware to the Australian squad on Wednesday, with Victorian Marcus Harris missing out on a return to international cricket.
Joe Burns will play against India. Marcus Harris has missed out. Won't be made official until the toss but the XI is here. @FoxCricket #AUSvINDhttps://t.co/6tkY0ltDJf pic.twitter.com/hKqlyIVnQy
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) December 16, 2020
Burns has scored just 62 runs in his past nine first-class innings, with many believing his poor run of form would have handed Harris the starting gig.
Incumbent opener David Warner is set to return to the lineup for the second test of the series in Melbourne after overcoming a groin injury, while Will Pucovski could make his debut in his home state pending a concussion test.
Allrounder Cameron Green is set to make his debut for Australia despite a concussion scare of his own last week, while Steve Smith looks to have overcome a niggling back complaint.
The official XI is unlikely to be announced until the coin toss at Adelaide Oval.