Ashes 2023: “You've got to think, is David Warner's time up?” says Michael Clarke after Australia’s defeat at Headingley

Clarke feels Australia have enough options to replace the misfiring Warner.

Veteran Australia opener David Warner has come under the scanner for his poor showing in the ongoing Ashes series against England.

Warner’s Test form has been a cause of concern since 2022. In fact, his selection for the Ashes 2023 was also widely debated and the southpaw has failed to live up to the expectations so far, registering scores of 9, 36, 66, 25, 4 and 1 from six innings.

The southpaw was dismissed by Stuart Broad in both innings of the third Test. Broad has been Warner’s nemesis over the years and he got him out for the 17th time at Headingley.  

After Australia’s defeat in Leeds, former skipper Michael Clarke opined that Australia have enough options to replace the misfiring Warner.

“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 while speaking to Sky Sports Radio, as quoted by Fox Sports.

“If it’s time, I wouldn’t even be thinking about who opens the batting because you’ve got options,” he added.

According to Clarke, the likes of Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne can play the role of an opening batter.

“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).”

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who replaced injured Cameron Green in the playing XI at Headingley, smashed run-a-ball 118 when the Aussies were in dire straits at 85/4 on a green pitch after being asked to bat first.

Clarke said they should either persist with Warner or play with the batting order to keep Marsh in the side.

“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."