Andrew McDonald, the head coach of the Australia men's cricket team, has expressed his confidence in David Warner's ability to perform at the top of the order in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against India and the Ashes series against England. Despite uncertainties surrounding Warner's inclusion in the Ashes matches, McDonald believes the experienced opener can make a significant contribution during the hectic schedule of six Tests.
Warner's recent form has raised questions about his place in the team, having scored only one half-century in his last 15 Test innings before his impressive double-century against South Africa at the MCG during the Boxing Day Test last year. Additionally, he struggled during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India, registering scores of 1, 10, and 15 before being sidelined due to a fractured elbow in February.
However, McDonald has expressed his optimism about Warner's potential impact and highlighted the left-hander's inclusion in the squad for the World Test Championship final and the Ashes series as a testament to his importance. The head coach emphasized that Warner still has valuable contributions to make and reaffirmed the team's belief in his abilities.
McDonald also pointed to Warner's successful stint in the 2023 IPL, where he scored 516 runs from 14 matches for the Delhi Capitals. He highlighted Warner's past success in English conditions during the 2015 Ashes series, where he scored five half-centuries and amassed 416 runs. McDonald believes Warner can draw upon these positive experiences and is in a good mental state ahead of the upcoming matches.
The World Test Championship final is set to begin on June 7 at The Oval, followed by the first Ashes Test in Birmingham on June 16. Warner's performance in these crucial encounters will be closely watched as he seeks to prove his worth and contribute to Australia's success on the international stage.