Australian opener David Warner is poised to play a pivotal role in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final and the highly anticipated Ashes series, according to Australian head coach Andrew McDonald. Despite recent challenges in international cricket and a lackluster performance by his IPL franchise, Delhi Capitals, in the IPL 2023, Warner’s significance to the Australian team remains unwavering.
Warner’s tour of India was plagued by an unfortunate elbow injury that cut his journey short. Apart from a Test century against South Africa, the left-handed batsman’s contributions in the longest format have been limited. However, with two crucial events on the horizon, Warner is expected to be a key player for the national side.
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In England, Warner’s average stands at 26.05 across 25 Test innings. During his last tour in 2019, he managed only 95 runs in five Tests. Nevertheless, Andrew McDonald, his coach, is firmly supportive and believes Warner will make a substantial impact in the WTC final and the Ashes series.
“We have high hopes for what Dave can deliver. We have selected him in the squad because we believe he will play a significant role in the Ashes and the World Test Championship,” McDonald expressed. “He is an essential part of the team, and if that weren’t the case, we would have reevaluated after the WTC before the Ashes. But that’s not the scenario—we have chosen our squad for the first two Ashes Tests, and Warner is unquestionably in our plans and ready to excel.”
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Addressing Warner’s underwhelming record in England, the Australian head coach highlighted that he performed much better during the 2015 tour, scoring four fifties in four Tests. McDonald emphasized the team’s confidence in Warner’s abilities and the belief that he will draw on his experience to make a significant impact.
Australia enters the WTC final as the table-toppers, and as defending champions of the Ashes following a convincing 4-0 victory at home during the 2021-22 series. The WTC final is scheduled from June 7th to 11th at The Oval, with the Ashes series commencing on June 16th at Edgbaston, Birmingham.