Shane Warne backs Matt Parkinson to be in England's Ashes squad

Shane Warne has backed England leg-spinner, Matt Parkinson, to be named in the Ashes squad Down Under. The former Australia leggie reckons Parkinson is 'perfectly suited to Australian conditions.  The Ashes is scheduled to begin from December 8, with the first Test at The Gabba. Warne says he will not be surprised to see Parkinson named in the XI for that Test. 

"I think Parkinson is very, very good," said Warne.

"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."

"I wouldn't be surprised in that first Test match at the Gabba if he is pencilled 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," he added.

Warne adds that he would not be surprised to see Parkinson have a go at India during the five-match Test series, starting August 4. "I wouldn't be surprised if they (England) have a look at him during the India series thinking about the Ashes down the track," Warne, who has 708 Test wickets to his name, said.

Warne would further get a chance to interact and advice Parkinson as the coach of The Hundred side Manchester Originals. In his 28 first-class matches, Parkinson has picked up 86 wickets at 23.69. He has also represented England in five ODIs and four T20Is.

Meanwhile, he is expecting some Ashes banter from England batsmen Zak Crawley and Dan Lawrence, both of whom are in the Spirit squad.

They will be available for the team's opening two matches of the new 100 balls per side tournament before joining up with England ahead of the first Test of a five-match series against India at Trent Bridge starting on August 4.

"When we win the first game and we have a quiet beer afterward, we might have to start a bit of an Ashes chat," said Warne.

Crawley has struggled for Test runs since his stunning 267 against Pakistan at Southampton last year. But Warne urged England to keep faith with the Kent batsman. "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 stick with Zak Crawley because he is as good a young player as I have seen.".

Warne believes he has found a kindred spirit in England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan, another member of the Spirit squad. "He is such an impressive guy, Morgs," said the 51-year-old. 

"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 inputs from AFP)