Warner’s poor form has raised concerns, with a retirement announcement looming in the near future. However, former Australian coach Darren Lehmann believes Warner will be given one more chance to perform in the upcoming Test match at Old Trafford.
Warner’s Struggles Against Stuart Broad
David Warner, the left-handed opener, faced difficulties against England’s Stuart Broad throughout the Ashes series. In the third Test at Headingley, Warner recorded scores of only four and one, falling to Broad on both occasions.
The seamer has now dismissed Warner a total of 17 times in Test matches. Despite Australia’s 2-1 lead in the series, Warner’s average of 23.50 and just one fifty from six innings has put the team in a difficult position.
Australia now faces a challenging decision in the lead-up to the fourth Test at Old Trafford. With no tour games available, it becomes harder for reserve batsmen, such as Marcus Harris, to stake their claim.
When asked if Warner could be dropped to accommodate both Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green in the playing XI, Captain Pat Cummins stated that all options would be considered, emphasizing the nine-day break before the next Test match.
Confidence in Warner’s Ability
Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann expressed confidence in Warner’s capabilities, believing that selectors would give him one more opportunity in the fourth Ashes Test.
Lehmann, who knows Warner well from his coaching tenure, acknowledged that the veteran opener is currently “under the pump.” However, he expects selectors to back Warner at Old Trafford, a venue known for providing good batting conditions.
Despite Warner’s struggles in the series, Lehmann highlighted his past success and the potential for a comeback. The former coach recalled Warner’s aggressive batting in the 2022 Boxing Day Test against South Africa, where he scored 200 runs, his only century in the last 23 Tests.
Lehmann believes that Warner thrives in matches where there is something in it for the batsmen. He expects Warner to come out blazing in the next Test and take the game on. I think they’ll stick with him. Old Trafford traditionally is a really good batting wicket. I think they’ll trust him for one more Test,” Lehmann said on RSN on Monday.
“I would give him one more, only knowing Old Trafford and what it’s like. It suits the way David plays.
“He’ll come out really aggressive in the next Test match, he’ll take the game on. All chips are in for Davey for this match, a bit like when he got the 200 against South Africa.”
Read More: Stokes: England’s Ashes Win at Headingley Just the Beginning
Lehmann acknowledged that the lack of significant contributions from the Australian top-order places additional pressure on Warner. Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith have been the only batters to score centuries in the series so far.
The team’s success in the first two Tests has masked Warner’s struggles, but now, with the series finely poised, the team management faces a crucial decision regarding his inclusion.