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.
James
Guest
yeah i dont see this as a huge surprise. steve waugh the fighter the one who belives in heart and mark the calmer one who appreciates skill more than raw power. i tend to agree with mark that warner needs to earn his place again, leave him out make him more hungry
davos
Guest
still there was/is no apology from foxsports !!!......how very tabloid of them .....oh so its sorry it wasn't us.... it was an editing room blunder ....no matter that we trashed your reputation and caused a big stink ...which apparently bought the game into disrepute...and some how out of all that ...conn and craddock are the agreived ones ...and owed an apology ....the sooner the game is rid of Sutherland the better
davos
Guest
sort of like joe the camera man ?
Lancey5times
Guest
Remember the old saying though.... "It's harder to get out of the Australian cricket team than in"
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
It has to be Smith. He got picked to early for tests and copped it from the media and public. Steve took it on board, matured and improved as a batsmen. Warner has to go back and grow up. Stop taking playing for Australia for granted. I would consider Warner for the home series but not in England
Disco
Roar Guru
And 'the other' likes to sledge; which Steve Waugh respects a great deal.
Lancey5times
Guest
Yeah I like the idea of him (Khawaja) batting down the order for while before eventually moving to 3. The order that Mark Waugh suggested would also mean 5 New South Welshman from 3 till 7. I can hear everyone whinging already but it can't hurt the confidence of these young guys to have a familiar face at the other end.
Varun
Guest
I heard the interview last night and Mark Waugh said he would have Hughes at 3, khawaja at 5 and smith at 6, I like his suggestions
Kris
Of course he shouldn't play. It would make a mockery of the whole concept of 'warm-up matches'.
Simba
Guest
Spot on Lancey. Pretty simple really.
josh
Roar Rookie
It was the no-name editors rather than the journos who selected the picture. At least that's the story.
davos
Guest
Play em both ....maye Smith at 3 ..... (cowan either performs or gets dropped )and where was con and craddocks apology to david warner when they put his photo as the lead in a match fixing article ? Just about the worst thing you could ever accuse a player of. They deliberately set out to bait him ...but lilly livered weak kneed Sutherland ...didn't say one word in his defence ....must be good for the players to know the heirachy have thier back ......more important to bow and scrape to murdochs hack journos .
Arthur fonzarelli.
Guest
If Warner was fined and has done his penance at training and around the team , as well as the media and public humiliation , then he should play . He didn't rob a bank or kill anyone .
Lancey5times
Guest
You have 2 batsman capable of scoring quickly, taking freakish catches and executing brilliantly in the field, while also chipping in with the occasional wicket. One of these players has played cricket recently, not punched anyone in the head and has outstanding leadership potential. The other is David Warner