Australia's long-time opening batter David Warner had announced his desire to retirem from Test cricket during the Pakistan series Down Under at the Sydney Cricket Ground next year. However, given his current form, things could turn out to be quite different for the southpaw. (More Cricket News)
The 36-year old failed to get to double-digits in the Headingley Test as Stuart Broad got the better of him on both occasions as England won a thrilling three-wicket win over Australia in the Third Ashes Test on Sunday.
Warner managed to score just four and one run at Headingley as Broad dismissed him for the 17th time in his Test career.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins was quizzed at the press-conference whether Warner could be axed to accommodate both Marsh and Green in Australia’s XI. He said, "We’ll keep all our options open. We’ve got nine or 10 days now, so we’ll take a deep breath.
"We’ll go away for a few days but everyone comes back into it. Greeny should be fit for Manchester, we should have a full roster. So we’ll have a look at the wicket, have a chat and work out the best XI.”
Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke stated that the Australian selectors had to 'only' worry about the form of David Warner for now.
“Tell me what they do now ... The No.1 issue is you’ve stuck with Warner, given him every opportunity, and (Stuart) Broad’s still got his number. Is it time?” Clarke said on Sky Sports Radio.
“If it’s time, I wouldn’t even be thinking about who opens the batting because you’ve got options.
“I reckon Mitch Marsh is in form. If he had to do it, he could do it. Alex Carey probably won’t because he’s got to keep, but Travis Head could do it. Marnus Labuschagne isn’t making as many runs as he should at No.3. He could open, Smithy could go to No.3 and Head to No.4 (with Marsh and Green No.5 and No.6).”
Clarke further added, “The thing you’ve got to think about first is is David Warner’s time up? And the other thing, if you’re going to bring Cameron Green back in, is he 100 per cent fit to bowl the overs he needs to bowl?
“I think they should either stick with Warner or play with the batting order and keep Mitch Marsh.”
The Fourth Test is on July 19 at Old Trafford Manchester with Australia still leading 2-1 in the five-match Ashes Series.
