England went into the Ashes fearing two batsmen: David Warner and Steve Smith. Well, while Smith has fidgeted his way to 378 runs in three innings to reaffirm his status as the best since Don Bradman, Warner has managed the grand total of 18 in four knocks.
Warner has looked to be in bad form in the past, and then come out and smashed a big score effortlessly. Usually he just seems to be a few good shots away from getting going, and can take control of an innings if he does. This test, Australia probably need Warner to stand up, there will be no Smith in the middle order to rescue the innings, and the rest of the Aussies batting lineup looks patchy at best.
There is confidence in the Australian camp that Warner will turn it around. While Justin Langer’s message was, “Don’t write off David Warner”, Paine believes the extra responsibility brought by Smith’s absence will reap rewards.
For Australia to win this third test, the bowlers will need to match England's attack, and someone needs to step up and take the mantle as the batsman to take control of the match. I will back Warner in for a big match, he quite often performs at his best when the pressure is on.
Thanks for reading, have a nice day.
John.