JASON GILLESPIE: David Warner's credit has just about dried up
JASON GILLESPIE: David Warner’s credit has just about dried up after some questionable performances in the Ashes… but Australia will be reluctant to replace him
- The form of David Warner in the Ashes will be a concern for Australia selectors
- A change should maybe be made if they seal the series by winning this Test
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The form of David Warner will be a concern for Australia selectors and his position is bound to be discussed before the fourth Test.
There was talk about Dave’s place before the Ashes and he has missed out again here at Headingley. He has scored just 141 runs in six innings at an average of 23.5, with his only half-century being his 66 in the first innings at Lord’s.
But Australia coach Andrew McDonald likes to have experienced players in his team. That is one of his big things as a coach. So, I suspect the selectors will back Dave for the next Test and the rest of the series.
The fact they have won the first two Tests, regardless of what happens here, they might just be a bit reluctant to make changes in their top order.
Personally, I am a bit torn over what Australia should do. Part of me thinks they should maybe make a change if Australia seal the series by winning this Test.
The form of David Warner will be a concern for Australia selectors after some poor showings
Stuart Broad’s first-innings dismissal was the 17th time he has caught out Warner
That way, they are moving forwards and they get to take a look at someone else. For me, that would mean Matt Renshaw coming in, rather than reshuffling the order.
Dave has laid out his ideal plan to retire from Test cricket after the Sydney Test against Pakistan in January. But I would be surprised if he makes that.
There is a lot of cricket to be played between now and then and Sydney seems a bit of a stretch.
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Runs are your currency and, while Dave has got a lot of credit in the bank and is one of the best players Australia has had, when you don’t perform over a period of time, those credits dry up.
When Dave does go, one thing that will be missed is his exceptional slip catching. I don’t remember him missing too many.
You might have someone who can average 10 runs more than you, but if they shell a couple of chances and they cost you big runs, you are in the negative. Someone who can catch them at slip is like gold dust.
Australia should turn to Matt Renshaw to replace Warner rather than reshuffling the order
Another selection dilemma Australia have ahead of Old Trafford is regarding their all-rounder.
Mitchell Marsh scoring that brilliant century in the first innings at Headingley will have given the selectors a lot of food for thought.
But Cameron Green is the incumbent. If he is fit and they only go with one of them, I think the likelihood is that Green will slot straight back in.
Mitch, though, has done all he can. I absolutely loved the intent of his innings on Thursday.
He knows he is Green’s understudy and that his chances of playing Test cricket depend on Green’s availability.
So, he has absolutely nothing to lose when he goes out to bat. He can just see ball and hit ball, and I have always said Mitch is at his best when he plays with that sort of clarity. When he hits them, they stay hit.
In that hundred, he played some of the best shots of this series. There was no slogging, they were just good cricket shots. He famously said in 2019 that ‘most of Australia hate me’ and I know what he was getting at.
The Australian public got a bit frustrated with his output. They felt he flattered to deceive, getting starts and never going on with it. He threatened to do great things but never quite did.
Mitchell Marsh scoring that brilliant century in the first innings has provided a dilemma
But Cameron Green (pictured) is the incumbent and if he is fit he will likely slot back in
But he certainly didn’t disgrace himself and maybe the expectation of the public was too great. I think the public have definitely shown more patience with Cameron.
If this Test match is won by Australia and the Ashes are secured, there might be a conversation about resting captain Pat Cummins for Old Trafford.
But part of him is probably thinking it will be a bit of a feather in his cap if he can play all five Tests as a fast-bowling captain.
At the start of this series, I thought he might rotate himself out for a Test, but the more it goes on, I am thinking he is going to want to play a full part.
You have to remember Pat missed a lot of cricket early in his career and he will be loath to miss too much more.
He has been absolutely sensational again in this series. His lines, lengths and pace have all been strong. He has led from the front and taken responsibility.
Whenever Australia need him, he has been able to make an impact. That is a great trait to have.
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