MICHAEL CLARKE, Australian captain, Clarke has said that suspended batsman David Warner match-winning form will overcome his lack of competitive cricket when the selectors consider the XI for the Ashes opener at Trent Bridge.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Warner’’s suspension for punching England’s Joe Root had restricted him to the nets, although he is now available for selection. However, the report added that Cricket Australia would struggle to explain the inconsistencies in punishments after four players missed a Test in India for failing to complete their homework, should Warner edge out Steve Smith for the no.6 spot. However, Clarke has promoted the prospect of Warner walking straight back into the team for the first Test, saying that he does not need time to play in the middle to be ready for the historic series, and dismissed suggestions that picking Warner at Trent Bridge would downplay the seriousness of his crime.
Although Warner had been warned about his loose behaviour long before taking a swing at Root and also about his physical conditioning, but Clarke suggested he had been more disciplined since the Walkabout incident, adding that he has had a number of net sessions and looks much fitter than he has been before.
Clarke also said that Warner had understood the consequences of his action and has handled himself well after the incident, adding that he is satisfied with the way Warner has been performing so far even though he had reached double figures only twice in his past nine innings across the Champions Trophy and the IPL.