Shane Warne’s ‘Underrated’ England Player Pick Hasn’t Played Since Ashes Humiliation
An all-rounder that legendary Australian bowler Shane Warne once described as 'underrated', has not featured for England since an Ashes humiliation more than a decade ago.
England have struggled in Australia in recent years, failing to win a Test match on Australian soil since they won the series down under in 2010-11.
Their hopes of ending that barren run got off to a disastrous start in Perth, as they lost by eight wickets in just two days.
There were moments of encouragement for England's bowling attack, with captain Ben Stokes taking a five-wicket haul in the first innings.
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But the tourists have faced heavy criticism for their batting display, with Harry Brook the only player to reach a half-century in the opening Test.
England will hope to reignite their Ashes ambitions when the second Test in Brisbane begins on December 4.
One of England's most disappointing series in Australia came back in 2013/14, when they were whitewashed 5-0.
The fifth Test of that series was also the first and only international appearance for England all-rounder Scott Borthwick.
It was a tough match for Borthwick, who years later would be singled out by Warne as one of England's most underrated players.
With the bat, Borthwick scored just five runs across two innings, but he fared slightly better with the ball.
He claimed four wickets, including those of opener Chris Rogers and fast bowler Mitchell Johnson.
Ultimately, it was all in vain as England were humiliated, losing by 281 runs as Australia completed the series whitewash.
During an appearance on Sky Sports in 2016, Warne spoke highly of Borthwick.
He said: "I think the young English batting all-rounder, Scott Borthwick, is very underrated.
"It is very hard playing up in Durham as a leg-spinner, [it is] freezing cold all the time and it seams around all over the place.
"It may be best for his development if he were to move counties.
"His batting has really come on, but I hope he hasn't shelved his leg-spin, as I think he could play for England as a genuine all-rounder.
"Adil Rashid still has a lot to offer as well but I think Borthwick is the guy of the future. He could be outstanding for England, if he can just stick at his bowling."
Since then, Borthwick has built a successful career in the County Championship, winning titles with both Durham and Surrey.
Last year, he stepped down as Durham captain to take on a new role as player-coach, ensuring he will continue to work for his boyhood team until at least the end of the 2026 season.
Topics: Cricket
James Taylor