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David Warner’s double failure against Stuart Broad during Australia’s three-wicket defeat in the third Ashes Test at Headingley might force the team management to try out a new opening pair at the Old Trafford, starting from July 19.
Warner scored four and one and was dismissed on both the ocassion by Stuart Broad, who has got his wicket 17 times in the Test cricket. Warner has failed to fire in a series where he averages a meagre 23.50 with just one fifty from six innings.
Mitchell Marsh has more or less cemented his place in the playing with a brilliant hundred and with Cameron Green getting closer to regain his full fitness, Australia might left out Warner to accommodate both the all-rounders.
“We’ll keep all our options open. We’ve got nine or 10 days now, so we’ll take a deep breath,” Pat Cummins told reporters.
“We’ll go away for a few days but everyone comes back into it. Greeny should be fit for Manchester, we should have a full roster. So we’ll have a look at the wicket, have a chat and work out the best XI.”
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has backed Mitchell Marsh to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja for the remaining two Ashes Tests.
“Tell me what they do now … The No.1 issue is you’ve stuck with Warner, given him every opportunity, and (Stuart) Broad’s still got his number. Is it time?” Clarke said on Sky Sports Radio.
“If it’s time, I wouldn’t even be thinking about who opens the batting because you’ve got options.
“I reckon Mitch Marsh is in form. If he had to do it, he could do it. Alex Carey probably won’t because he’s got to keep, but Travis Head could do it. Marnus Labuschagne isn’t making as many runs as he should at No.3. He could open, Smithy could go to No.3 and Head to No.4 (with Marsh and Green No.5 and No.6).”
“The thing you’ve got to think about first is is David Warner’s time up? And the other thing, if you’re going to bring Cameron Green back in, is he 100 per cent fit to bowl the overs he needs to bowl?
“I think they should either stick with Warner or play with the batting order and keep Mitch Marsh.”
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