Shane Warne has directed a Twitter tirade at his former state team Victoria over their decision not to open with Aaron Finch in this week's Sheffield Shield clash against Queensland, branding it a "disgrace".
Finch will instead bat at No.3 in his only red ball hit-out before the first Test against India in Adelaide on December 6, where he is set to open the batting for Australia with Marcus Harris.
But it seems Victoria will put their own interests ahead of Australia's, by not giving Finch a chance to audition with Harris, his Bushrangers teammate, at the top of the order in the Shield clash before the pair do so in the Test team.
That's what triggered Warne to go on a Twitter rant on Sunday.
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“Just read Aaron Finch will not be opening in the Shield game this week with Harris, but a week later they will open together for Aust against India,” Warne said.
“This is a disgrace by Vic and must be fixed before the game – can we please have common sense back into cricket in this country!
“Have we forgotten what Shield cricket is for in this country? To produce Test players.
“Shield cricket should also be the place to learn how to play the game the right way – so when you’re picked for Aust you’re ready. Vics have it wrong and should do what’s best for Aust – end of (rant).”
Just read @AaronFinch5 will not be opening in the shield game this week with Harris, but a week later they will open together for Aust against India. This is a disgrace by Vic & must be fixed before the game- can we please have common sense back into cricket in this country ! 😡
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) November 25, 2018
Have we forgotten what shield cricket is for in this country ? To produce test players. Shield cricket should also be the place to learn how to play the game the right way-so when you’re picked for Aust you’re ready. Vics have it wrong and should do what’s best for Aust - end of
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) November 25, 2018
The Bushrangers have opted to stick with their regular opening combination of Harris and Travis Dean for the clash that gets underway on Tuesday at the Gabba.
Finch could well have used the opportunity to familiarise himself with the role, with an average of only 18 as an opener at first-class level.