Spin legend Shane Warne says Australia are in a state of "confusion" heading into the Ashes series, with England primed for a first Gabba Test boilover. Even amid the massive distraction of the Ben Stokes assault saga, Warne believes it's the tourists who no longer hold any fears about an unsettled Australian cricket team. The Australian leg-spin great says Australia are in a shambles with wicketkeeper Tim Paine's surprise selection pointing to a lack of direction from selectors.
Paine, chosen for his first Test in seven years, and 34-year-old Shaun Marsh recalled to the Test side for the eighth time, were the controversial selections announced on Friday for next week's first Test in Brisbane. Pundits say Australia's Gabba fortress, where the home side is unbeaten in almost 30 years, is now under threat from an England squad missing their best player all-rounder Stokes, back at home and under investigation over a nightclub brawl. "At the moment, where the biggest shift has come over the last few years is they don't fear Australia anymore," Warne told reporters on Friday.
"England no longer fear Australia and haven't for a long time and hence that's why they can beat Australia. "England, I think at the moment, are just going along nicely. They're just doing their business. "Australia look confused. They're picking wicketkeepers that aren't even keeping for their state.