David Warner's selection a gamble Australia must take, says Mark Taylor
Former Australian Test skipper Mark Taylor says playing David Warner in the second Test despite the opener being less than 100 per cent fit is a risk worth taking.
Warner will take up his spot in Australia's side despite being under a major injury cloud in the lead-up to the pink ball Test in Adelaide after dealing with bruised ribs.
The veteran opener's spot in the side was confirmed by Australian captain Pat Cummins earlier this week, despite enduring a nets session where he looked extremely proppy.
READ MORE: Mystery lingers over England's line-up ahead of second Test
"It's a good move for Australia and I think it shows the importance of this game," Taylor told Nine's TODAY ahead of the second Test.
David Warner is set to line up in Adelaide despite nursing some severely bruised ribs in the lead-up Getty
"David Warner is probably not 100 per cent fit, but he knows this is a big game for Australia and a big game for England.
"Having won the first Test match, Australia know if they can win here in this day-night Test match - they've won eight from eight - and go 2-0 up in the series, they've just about hung onto the Ashes.
READ MORE: Lyon gunning for 5-0 Ashes whitewash after Gabba hammering
"So that's the importance of this game and probably one of the main reasons David Warner is playing."
While Warner was able to retain his spot, Josh Hazlewood won't play in Adelaide due to a side strain, with Jhye Richardson taking his spot in a move Taylor approved.
Taylor believes Richardson will be a force to be reckoned with under lights at the Adelaide Oval Getty
"I'm delighted for Jhye," he said.
"It was three years ago where he played a couple of Test matches and did well ... then dislocated his shoulder in a fielding accident.
READ MORE: Ex-captain's dire warning over Hazlewood injury concerns
"It's great to see him back and obviously he's been bowling very well for Western Australia, he's taken something like 23 wickets this year in Shield cricket, he's belted the door down.
"With Josh Hazlewood's injury, he's the right man for the job and I think he'll enjoy bowling here with the pink ball particularly under lights. He could be a handful."
Great Ashes moments since 1990: The centuries, wicket hauls, deliveries, catches and rescue missions that highlight cricket's longest rivalry
