Under-fire Despite failing in the first Test against South Africa and spending nearly three years without a hundred, Australian opener David Warner seemed to have the support of the selectors on Monday.
The strain on Australia’s top-order star, Warner, has increased since he hasn’t achieved a Test century since January 2020 after a succession of poor scores, including 0 and 3 against the Proteas on an unforgiving Brisbane ground.
George Bailey, the head of the selectors, opined that the 36-year-old shouldn’t be evaluated based just on his performance against South Africa.
“I don’t know how much to read into this wicket or this match itself and say that any batsmen on either side is in good or bad touch,” Bailey said.
“I personally think there’s runs around the corner for him.”
The powerful left-hander has averaged just 27 over the last two years and with tours to India and England coming up, there has been some speculation that he may be playing his last series.
Warner has publicly stated that he wants to retire after next year’s Ashes tour, but he will need to score runs in the next two Tests against the Proteas to secure his place in the squad.
“I still think he’s preparing as well as he can, he’s looking fantastic in the nets,” Bailey said.
“No doubt he’d like a few more runs and to be contributing more at the top of the order, but I have full confidence that it will come.”
Warner’s averages in India (24.25) and England (26.04) are sub-par and during the 2019 Ashes he scored at an abysmal 9.50 runs per innings.
Bailey said the opener was not yet showing signs of succumbing to age. “I still think he’s moving well. I still think he’s catching well and I think when people start to go, the catching goes and the moving goes,” Bailey said.
“But he’s still an outstanding fielder, still fit as a fiddle.
However, it’s possible that Australian Pat Cummins accidentally revealed that Warner’s status isn’t fixed in stone.
Prior to the Boxing Day Test, when asked if fast bowler Scott Boland was secure in his spot given Josh Hazlewood’s return to fitness, Cummins praised the depth of Australian speed bowling.
Marcus Harris, a former starting hitter, was still a vital member of the team, he added.
“He’s a huge part of this team and I’m sure he’ll get a chance,” Cummins said.
