Legendary bowler Shane Warne says young New South Wales legspinner Steven Smith is ready for his Test debut against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground next week.
Smith, 20, has already impressed with the bat at Twenty20 level - starring in the Blues' Champions League title win this year.
His feats with the ball have been less impressive, with just 11 first-class wickets at a swollen average of 75.
But Warne says Smith should get the nod anyway if Australian selectors want to play two spinners on the traditionally spin-friendly Sydney pitch.
"The way he bowls he looks ready. As long as he thinks well, and I think he has a good head on his shoulders, he's a chance," Warne told News Ltd.
"Ideally you want everyone to be playing 30 or 40 first-class games first so they know themselves a lot better and can learn their craft in all different conditions.
"But sometimes you haven't got that luxury. You could throw him in as a second spinner and if they do, I think he will do a good job."
"Sydney, most of the time, is a spinning wicket.
"But there have been times when we've gone up there and it's been raining so it might be a bit greener and seam around. So you might only want one spinner for the Test."
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