Australia coach Andrew McDonald has talked up David Warner’s spot for the beginning of the Ashes following months of hypothesis in regards to the veteran opener’s future.
The 36-year-old Warner endured a tough time in India earlier this yr, struggling throughout the first two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar sequence earlier than returning to Australia with a fractured elbow.
Warner’s Test kind had already dipped, along with his spectacular Boxing Day double century towards South Africa his solely ton since January 2020.
McDonald and selectors George Bailey and Tony Dodemaide had been hesitant to lock-in Warner after India.
But leaving mid-tour, with Travis Head filling in admirably however seen by coaches as an Asia-only opener, may need saved the dashing left-hander.
“We’re optimistic with what Dave’s got left,” McDonald informed SEN.
“We’ve picked him in the squad, and we feel that he’s going to play a really significant part in the Ashes and the World Test Championship final. That’s why he’s on the plane.
“We think he’s got some good games left in him.
“He’s clearly in our plans. He’s ready to go and we’re in constant contact with him.
“He knows exactly where he sits with us, and internally we’re really settled around what we need to do and how we’re going to go about it.”
Warner will resist India within the World Test Championship remaining, earlier than doubtlessly dealing with his previous nemesis Stuart Broad within the opening two Tests of the Ashes.
In 2019’s Ashes in England, Warner averaged simply 9.50 throughout the five-Test sequence as he was discovered wanting within the seaming and swinging situations.
“He can draw on some positive experiences in England,” McDonald mentioned.
“In 2015, I think it was eight half-centuries and he averaged mid-40s.
“So, he’s had success there. It’s not as though he hasn’t had success in those conditions.
“We’re backing him to draw on everything that he’s got. Leading into the Boxing Day Test the doomsday people were out there as well.”
Broad, 36, spoke on Wednesday about relishing the chance to resume hostilities with Warner.
“He’s been a great competitor, someone I’ve really enjoyed playing against,” Broad informed the Press Association.
“He’s fiery, ferociously competitive, and those sorts of characters bring out the best in me as well.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
