Does David Warner value playing for Australia? He cannot keep himself out of the headlines.
Cricket NSW may punish the bombastic opener for reportedly failing to turn up to the second day of a Sydney grade game on the weekend.
Despite being told by Cricket NSW he must play on Saturday, Warner decided he would be better off practising in the nets rather than turning out for Randwick Petersham against Northern District.
Randwick Petersham were left to field with just 10 men.
Granted, it is not an unforgivable sin. But it is the third time in five months Warner has attracted attention for the wrong reasons.
He must learn that once a sportsman gains a reputation as a loose cannon every indiscretion, no matter how minor, will be reported upon and held up as a further example of their unreliability.
In Warner’s case, his timing could not have been worse. His standing in Australian cricket was already at its lowest ebb since making his Test debut almost two years ago.
Not long ago he was a lock in all three formats of the game.
Now he is no longer in the ODI side, having been dumped ahead of the upcoming limited overs tour of India.
His position in the Test team is also under threat after a poor tour of England.
Warner was lucky to be recalled to the Australian lineup for the 3rd Ashes Test after being sent away from the tour for slugging English opener Joe Root in a nocturnal encounter at a bar.
Just weeks before that incident, Warner had tarnished his image by using Twitter to hurl childish abuse at two of Australia’s most experienced cricket reporters Malcolm Conn and Robert Craddock.
Warner’s on-field efforts in England were scarcely more impressive, averaging just 23 with the bat in six digs.
Fortuitously for the 26-year-old, Australia’s batting stocks are so weak that, despite all this, he will likely retain his place for the first Test in Brisbane next month.
The fact that he’s scored 897 runs at an average of 50 in home Tests will probably sway the selectors.
Warner should not take his place in the national sides for granted. But from the outside it appears that he does.
Unlike some of his team mates, he has been very well treated by the national selectors.
They have retained their faith in him despite his average of 25 in his past eight Tests.
He was also given a long run at the top of the order in the ODIs even though he has averaged just 29.81 in his 39 matches.
Compare that to the handling of Nathan Lyon, for example.
The off spinner was recently dropped from the Test side after bowling brilliantly to take nine wickets in his previous match against India at Delhi.
He has also been afforded only two ODI caps since debuting in that format 18 months ago despite showing tremendous promise as a limited overs bowler.
Yet Lyon is a consummate team man and thoroughly professional cricketer.
Unlike Warner, he turned up to the second day of his club’s Sydney grade game on the weekend, adhering to the strict orders of Cricket NSW.
It seems that Warner’s marketability, as a thrilling stroke maker capable of lighting up a match in a matter of overs, is of greater value to Cricket Australia.
This piece is not an attempt to slander Warner. I am actually a fan of his and believe he can play an important role in this summer’s Ashes series.
But he needs to pull his head in and recognise the generous opportunities he has been given to represent his country.
Many more dedicated players have not been afforded such chances.
UPDATE: Warner has been given a suspended one-match sentence by Cricket NSW, and must play a minimum of two matches for his Randwick club.
ChrisUK
Guest
I'll give you a contrast from over here: We organised and played a game against a county side as part of the benefit year for a former (though not successful) England player. He raised a few thousand pounds for himself that day, and he never even wrote to thank us for it.
ChrisUK
Guest
Club cricketers do tend to rather loathe any pro coming the Big I Am. I can imagine their reaction quite well.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
Completely agree, no way should he be allowed to play for the first grade team next match. Make him bowl his leggies in the seconds. Obviously doesn't give a toss about the club.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
Or Shaun Marsh, Chris UK
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
Ronan, in WA, both the Marsh boys turn out for Freo and Mitchell Johnson is (apparently) great when he plays for Wanneroo, hangs around, signs autographs, talks to kids, all that stuff... it can't be overstated how important it is that they do this for their clubs.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
The Randwick players must already think he's a **** for leaving them underhanded. He's new to that club, Obviously doesn't expect to be there much.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Sounds pretty good.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Silk needs to be given at least one more full Shield season plus a solid county stint next winter before he even begins to come into calculations.
Bearfax
Guest
I suspect in the end you are quite right ChrisUK. We may rant and rave about perceived misconduct on and off the field but the selectors will stick with them as long as they think they off the best chance of contributing to a victory for their respective sides and both Warner and Broad are potentially match winners. Warner in particular is potentially one of the few present Australian batsmen who is test class and no doubt he knows his value to the team. Unless he has a dramatic form slide here in Oz he will continue to be in the side or just out of it. He'll be paid one way or the other.
Peter
Roar Rookie
I don't really understand why we need to consider players like The Roar's Jordan Silk at this stage. He's played so little cricket at this level. But I wouldn't be against picking Eddie again.
ChrisUK
Guest
I would doubt either Warner or Broad are even slightly bothered. Warner handled the stick in England very well, and Broad will thrive on it.
Bearfax
Guest
Klniger is a fine one day player with an average of 46. His performance today is in keeping with that ability at that level. But his first class average is only 37. The one day format suits him. But you may as well pick Cowan or Silk for the tests before considering Klinger. Rogers has a 50 average and that's why he was picked despite his age. Klinger is 33, already in the peak of his career and yet cant get even close to 40 average. Picking test batsmen based on one day performances is fraught with danger. Maybe we're giving Warner a bit of stick because of his recent attitude but he's only 27 and has a first class average in the mid 40s. You dont sacrifice a bishop for a pawn.
Peter
Roar Rookie
He's been given enough rope that's for sure, Anyhow Michael Klinger had a good knock today. He'd be my pick to open with Rogers.
Timmuh
Roar Guru
Fair enough. I would have skipped out on the club too.
Orly
Guest
Bowling machine, with Candice Falzon handling the balls.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Praveen are you not worried by the fact it's his 3rd indiscretion in 5 months? A pattern seems to be forming.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
TommyH you must not understand the level of abuse that is hurled by Aussie crowds.
Timmuh
Roar Guru
Does anyone know who he had a net with? One of the other state squads? All the Sydney first grade bowlers were presumably at thir club matches, though some might have taken time off when their team was batting was to bowl at him. Or was it just a coach and a bowling machine? Or some bowlers of no particular note? If he was facing fourth grade bowlers then he would have to be in really bad form for there to be any value in it. And even with the skiving off he could have fielded part of the day.
Praveen
Guest
Alot worse things have happened then this, let's get off Warner's back and get behind our young players, if e does something major then get in his back
TommyH
Guest
Andy - It really does lack commonsense doesnt it ? Obviously a lot of money involved for them to go over there and play in conditions completely nothing like what they will be playing in against us in your own backyard. Ronan - I hope he does play for you guys, it will make the barrage of abuse coming Broads way from you guys look like a swedish massage compared to what hes gonna get off the Barmy Army.