Warner’s safe for now, says Ponting

A HORROR Ashes series which has netted just two double-figure scores won’t stop David Warner from appearing in Australia’s first home Test this summer, according to Ricky Ponting.

The former national captain and Tasmanian great believes just three batsmen are locked in for the first Test against Pakistan — including the out-of-sorts Warner. This is despite the left-hander averaging a meagre 9.5 from 10 knocks in England, which includes three consecutive ducks and 61 of his 95 runs coming in the first innings at Leeds.

“Warner’s going to be a lock. I don’t care if he gets another duck in the second innings of this Test match, he’s going to be a lock for the Australian summer,” Ponting told cricket.com.au before Warner made just 11 last night.

“Marnus is an absolute lock. Smith’s a lock. [There are] still question marks around the guys in the middle, [ Matthew] Wade and [Travis] Head.

“[Opener Marcus] Harris has looked tested against quality fast bowling in this series.”

Aside from Steve Smith (average of 125) and Marnus Labuschagne (50.4), Australia’s top order has struggled against the venom of Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer.

Ponting has called for selectors to blood highly rated prospect Will Pucovski at the Gabba. The 21-year-old was picked in the Test squad last summer against Sri Lanka and also featured on the Australian A tour of England.

“With so many gaps like that, I’d like to see somebody like Pucovski get an opportunity,” Ponting said.

“Everyone’s talked about him for a long time. A couple of years before the next Ashes series you want to try and blood someone in that No.6 role and he’d be the obvious candidate.”