Former Australian legends Adam Gilchrist and Mark Waugh have both called for Tim David to be included in Australia's first choice XI for the T20 World Cup.
David made his Australian debut during the recently completed T20 series in India, having previously represented Singapore.
The big-hitting middle-order batsman forced his way into the side with big scores around the world in short form cricket, despite having never played a first class game.
In doing so, he became the first player to debut for Australia in limited overs cricket without playing a first class game since David Warner did so in 2009.
Speaking on Fox Cricket, Gilchrist said David must have a place in the XI.
"Tim David should have a place in that XI," Fox Cricket commentator Gilchrist said.
"His power and the way he has taken it on...and seeing what we have seen from him over the last 18 months all around the world, it is really in all different conditions and they (opposition teams) will fear him coming in.
"It is a role that Australia have never really tried to fill, having someone who knows they are only going to get 15 or 20 balls (to make an impact)."
Waugh agreed with Gilchrist, saying the side looked good with David in it.
"I have got Tim David in the XI at this stage," Waugh noted.
"That could change with form, but that looks a pretty good side to me."
David struggled in the first two T20s for Australia, but made a half-century in the decider.
Waugh and Gilchrist didn't agree on who should make way in the XI for David though, suggesting two different names.
"Marcus Stoinis seems to be the man under pressure at the moment," Gilchrist said.
"But I think Tim David should have a place in that XI.
"Unfortunately that best XI is going to have 12 players in it and I don’t know who I am going to leave out."
Waugh, on the other hand, left Steve Smith out of his XI after struggling through the tour of India, with the long-running debate around his suitability to play the shortest form of the game at the highest level continuing.
Australia, who host the World Cup, will be looking to defend the trophy they won in 2021 when the tournament was hosted in the United Arab Emirates.
