Warner’s form a concern

AUSTRALIAN paceman Kane Richardson doesn’t expect to see “super competitive” stand-in Twenty20 skipper David Warner take a break despite his white-ball form slump.

Another cheap dismissal for Warner was the only real negative for the Aussies as they booked their spot in the tri-series final with a sevenwicket victory over England at the MCG.

Chasing 138 to win on Saturday night, Glenn Maxwell (39) and D’Arcy Short (36 not out) blasted the hosts to victory with 27 balls to spare.

The unbeaten Australians are now assured of a spot in the February 21 decider in Auckland after downing England by five wickets in Hobart and beating New Zealand in the series-opener.

But questions are bound to be raised about Warner’s relentless schedule after he lasted just four balls in Melbourne, nicking a ripping David Willey outswinger on two.

The dashing left-hander is the only member of the Test side to have played for Australia in every format this summer and has struggled in the ODIs and T20s.

He is expected to travel with the T20 side to New Zealand today before heading straight to South Africa for the first of four Tests.

Richardson, who was named man of the match after taking 3-33, said Warner would be loath to relinquish his spot.

“He’s super competitive, and he’s obviously got an opportunity to captain the team which he doesn’t always do with Steve (Smith) playing every game,” Richardson said.

“We needed some leadership. I don’t think they wanted everyone to sit it out, they wanted someone to steer us through this series. He’s been really good for all the young bowlers.”

While Warner has struggled with the bat since scoring 441 at 63 during Australia’s 4-0 Ashes triumph, his performance in the field has been typically second to none.