Australia Retain David Warner For Fourth Ashes Test

David Warner has kept his place in Australia's XI for the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford despite the opener's ongoing struggles against England paceman Stuart Broad. But spinner Todd Murphy could be omitted when the match starts Wednesday as Australia contemplate going into a Test without a frontline slow bowler for the first time in 11 years. Australia captain Pat Cummins, bidding to lead the side to a first Ashes series win in England since 2001 at 2-1 up with two to play, said Tuesday that Warner would continue to open alongside Usman Khawaja. Warner managed just five runs in total as he fell twice to Broad during England's three-wicket win in the third Test at Headingley.

Broad has now dismissed the left-hander 17 times in Tests and could equal the record for most dismissals by a bowler against a single batsman at this level -- held by Australia great Glenn McGrath, who claimed the wicket of former England captain Mike Atherton 19 times –- if he does another double over Warner in Manchester.

But Cummins said Warner's role in three partnerships over 50 had helped Ashes-holders Australia establish their series lead and backed the 36-year-old, averaging a meagre 23.5 after six innings, to return to form this week.

"Davey didn't have his best game last week at Headingley but prior to that, I think he's looked really good –- he's had three fifty-run partnerships which can be rare over here in England," Cummins told an Old Trafford news conference on Tuesday.

The fast bowler added: "We back Davey, absolutely. We know how tough it can be to open over here. He's doing all the right things, he's shown some great signs and I'm sure a big score is just around the corner."

Cummins also confirmed Josh Hazlewood would replace