At age 26 there is no doubt Australian batsman David Warner has seen the dizzy heights of world class cricket. The one time pin up boy for Australian cricket can be credited for introducing some innovation, aggression, power, skill and impulsiveness.
He was the marquee man that put bums on seats, you couldn’t help but marvel in the way he went out and attacked each game.
Fair to say he had Australia loving every move he made.
However, recent bad form and off field misdemeanours has left us scratching our heads as to what to do with Warner for this year’s Ashes tour of England, which kicks off tonight at Trent Bridge.
Following a Twitter tirade against News Limited journalists Robert Craddock and Malcolm Conn, Warner found himself in hot water, to which he apologised.
Shortly after he was embroiled in more controversy with an altercation in a Birmingham Pub with rival Ashes batsman Joe Root.
So it begs the question, should he play? Or should he not?
It’s this question that has Aussie greats Steve and Mark Waugh divided in opinion. Steve believes Warner has to play.
“He’s got energy. He gets in the opposition’s face and I think for Australia to win this series they have to be very positive and aggressive in their intent and their purpose of the way they play, and Warner’s got that vibrancy about him that he’ll give Australia a lift just by being there” Steve told Fox Sports
“I’d bat him at number 6, I think he could be quite damaging in that role”
“I think also he gives you a lot in the field, he is capable of run outs, taking those freakish catches”
Mark Waugh wasn’t as convinced in playing Warner for game one, but conceded he would play a part in the five game series.
“I wouldn’t pick him just yet no, I think he has to earn his strips a bit more” Mark said on Fox Sports Back Page
“His form coming into the Ashes isn’t that good, he played poorly in India and he has struggled since”.
“I think Steve Smith should bat at 6, but I think Warner will play some role in the series”.
We will find out today if indeed Warner does find his way into the team as The Ashes begins with the first game at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
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