David Warner requires medical clearance for one-day series opener in India
Despite that incredible 200, Warner is under pressure to maintain his Test spot after his career average has fallen from nearly 49 to 45.58 over the past 15 months. During that time, he only went over the 50 three times in 26 innings.
During that period, Warner is ninth on the list of Australian Test averages with 753 runs at 28.96. His opening partner Usman Khawaja, also 36, has 1608 runs at 69.91 with six centuries. Other Australians with a thousand runs over the same period include Marnus Labuschagne (1435 runs at 53.15 with five 100s), Steve Smith (1240 runs at 51.67 with three 100s) and Travis Head (1056 runs at 48 with two centuries).
Australian coach Andrew McDonald.Credit:Getty Images
Despite his recent poor run in Test cricket, Warner continues to be chosen for a brilliant career which has seen him demolish opposition attacks and deliver Australian victories at his best.
However, his foreign record speaks against him. While he averages 58 in Australia with 19 centuries from 55 Tests, that’s just 33 playing away with six hundred from 48 Tests. That includes 95 runs at 9.5 during the last Ashes tour in 2019 when he repeatedly fought Stuart Broad.
McDonald claimed on Monday Warner was “right in our plans” for the Test World Cup final against India at The Oval in early June but failed to put together the Ashes series that followed.
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However, former Australia captain Mark Taylor believes the selectors need to assess Warner’s future well in advance and use the WTC Finals in preparation for the Ashes.
“I think the Test Championship is really a godsend for Australia,” said Taylor The Herald And Age. “Reaching the final and being the top qualifier is a great achievement but it’s another friendly in England.
“So apart from the chance of winning the Test World Cup, it’s also a damn good practice match for the Ashes series, playing at The Oval, which is obviously one of the Testing grounds, and playing in English conditions against a top-flight Indian side .
“I think that’s ideal for Australia. There will be some tough selection decisions.”
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https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/they-will-look-at-dave-in-mumbai-warner-needs-medical-clearance-20230315-p5cs8b.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_sport David Warner requires medical clearance for one-day series opener in India
