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Shane Warne believes next week's SCG Test against New Zealand is the perfect time for Australia to blood his leg-spinning protege Mitchell Swepson.
Shane Warne is desperate for Australia to find room for his leg-spinning protege Mitchell Swepson in next week's SCG Test.
Australia's all-time leading Test wicket-taker has long backed Swepson as the Queenslander has come through the state ranks.
With Australia on the verge of sealing the series against New Zealand with a commanding performance at the MCG, Warne believes now is the perfect time to blood Swepson.
"What an opportunity to rest a quickie with some stuff going on and India coming up," Warne told Fox Cricket.
"It might hurt at the moment for someone to give up a Test match; Nathan Lyon or one of the quicks because it's the last Test of the summer.
"Maybe leave a batsman out and play all five; push (Tim) Paine up to No.6.
"Just give (Swepson) a chance and just find a spot for him.
The Australian legend was in the nets before play on Saturday giving advice to Swepson.
Warne said the 26-year-old was looking good and he needed to be given a go to find his feet at Test level.
"He is spinning them really well and giving them a rip. Good shape on the ball," Warne said.
"It's great to see a leg-spinner back into the squad.
Swepson was on Thursday called into the Australian squad ahead of the third and final Test.
He has 110 first-class wickets from 39 matches at an average of 35.31.
Swepson has represented Australia just once - in a Twenty20 outing against England in 2018 - but has been part of two Test tours to India and Bangladesh.