He might be enduring a lean patch in the longest format lately but veteran opener David Warner is very much in Australia’s Test scheme of things, coach Andrew McDonald said on Tuesday (December 13).
The southpaw averaged just 25.5 in the just-concluded two-Test series against the West Indies while he is averaging 23 from nine five-day games this year.
However, McDonald backed the 98-Test veteran to regain his touch in the upcoming home series against South Africa and secure a spot for the tour of India in February-March next year.
The three-match Test series between Australia and South Africa is all set to get underway on Saturday (December 17) at Gabba.
“We’ll see what happens in the next three Test matches, but at this stage he’s (Warner) firmly in our thoughts for India,” McDonald was quoted as saying by the Australian media.
At 36, Warner is at the twilight of his career, having already declared that he will take a call on his Test future after this season.
“If we keep picking him and he makes runs, then you know he’s back. And if you keep picking him and he doesn’t, then he’s probably on the fade. I think it’s as simple as that. He’s in our plans for the immediate future, and we’ll see what unfolds from there,” McDonald said.
The coach also mentioned that Warner’s current form doesn’t concern him.
“His (Warner) appetite for the work, in and around training is still there. He’s busy at the crease, and you’ve seen signs that he is going well. He’s just found different ways to get out, and sometimes that can happen,” McDonald said.
“He’s eager to continue on at this stage, he hasn’t hinted anything else. We are building towards a World Test Championship as well, and he wants to be part of that so that’s a clear focus for us and we’ve got South Africa as a part of that.
“And then on to India. So there’s no indication of anything else at the moment.”
Australia will tour India for four Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches from February 9 to March 13.
(With PTI inputs)
