The head coach Andrew McDonald has backed struggling opener David Warner. He confirms that the batter has “not hinted” at a probable retirement from Test matches.

Warner had already stated that he would stop playing the longest format after another 12 months. His expertise is crucial for Australia’s trip to India early the following year, though. Prior to that, he is scheduled to play his 100th Test beginning on Boxing Day against South Africa. With the series finale occurring at his home stadium, the SCG, immediately afterwards. Despite the possibility that it would serve as a fitting send-off, McDonald was optimistic that Warner would continue playing Test cricket after the home season.

AUSTRALIA COACH CONFIRMS MORE TEST CRICKET FOR WARNER

Talking about future of Test in Australia, Coach McDonald said. “We are building towards a World Test Championship [final]. He wants to be part of that. So that’s a clear focus for us, and we’ve got South Africa as a part of that. And then on to India.”

Talking about Warner’s inclusion in next test series, coach said. “We’ll see what happens in the next three Test matches. But at this stage, he’s firmly in our thoughts for India. We’ve seen the more times you tour certain areas of the world, the better you get at it.

“But it’s also the knowledge that he can pass on to the younger players in and amongst that. We really value our senior players – both on and off the field – in terms of that education process. So there’s huge benefit for those players to be touring those areas. Albeit if they don’t play, they can still have an impact.”

RECENT FAILED OPPORTUNITIES FOR WARNER IN TEST CRICKET

Warner missed out on each opportunity, scoring just 102 runs at an average of 25.50. Australia’s other top-order batsmen feasted on a listless West Indies bowling attack during the series. Australia declared each of their four innings during convincing wins in Perth and Adelaide.

For 36-year-old Warner, who has only scored 675 runs at 28.12 in 25 Test innings since his previous century in January 2020, it extended a slump. Warner is under more pressure as rumours about his Test career grow ahead of difficult travels to India and England next year, where he has unimpressive records.

WARNER’S FUTURE IN TEST CRICKET

Warner will be making his third Test trip of India, where he has never hit a century and where he averages just 24 from 16 innings, unless something unexpected happens against South Africa. For a squad that is likely to contain several batsmen who have never played Test cricket abroad, his depth of experience is regarded as crucial.

Warner has also been embroiled in controversy after pulling his request to have his lifetime captaincy suspension lifted prior to the second Test against the West Indies. McDonald believed that Warner had the mental fortitude to get over that saga, though.

Before the first Test at the Gabba begins on December 17, Warner has been supported to ignore any distraction from the lingering off-field turmoil before of what could be a difficult three-match series against South Africa, who feature a star-studded pace attack.