David Warner to play ‘significant’ Ashes role, coach Andrew McDonald says

Australian men’s cricket coach Andrew McDonald has firmly backed David Warner to start in the Ashes, ending months of speculation surrounding the veteran opener’s future.

Warner, 36, endured a rough time in India earlier this year, struggling during the first two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar series before returning to Australia with a fractured elbow.

Warner’s Test form had already dipped, with his spectacular Boxing Day double century against South Africa his only ton since January 2020.

McDonald and selectors George Bailey and Tony Dodemaide were hesitant to lock-in Warner after India.

But leaving mid-tour, with Travis Head filling in admirably but viewed by coaches as an Asia-only opener, might have saved the dashing left-hander.

“We’re optimistic with what Dave’s got left,” McDonald told SEN.

“We’ve picked him in the squad, and we feel that he’s going to play a really significant part in the Ashes and the World Test Championship final. That’s why he’s on the plane.

“We think he’s got some good games left in him. He’s clearly in our plans. He’s ready to go and we’re in constant contact with him.

“He knows exactly where he sits with us, and internally we’re really settled around what we need to do and how we’re going to go about it.”

Warner will face up to India in the World Test Championship final, before potentially facing his old nemesis Stuart Broad in the opening two Tests of the Ashes.

In the 2019 Ashes in England, Warner averaged just 9.50 across the five-Test series as he was found wanting in the seaming and swinging conditions.

“He can draw on some positive experiences in England,” McDonald said.

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