Warner’s winning but runs look rare

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

Another cheap dismissal for Warner (pictured) was the only negative for Australia as they booked a spot in the triseries final with a seven-wicket defeat of England at the MCG.

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

The Australians are now assured of a spot in the February 21 decider in Auckland.

But questions are bound to be raised about Warner’s relentless schedule after he lasted just four balls in Melbourne.

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 tomorrow before heading straight to South Africa for the first of four Tests.

Richardson, who was 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,” Richardson said. “We needed some leadership. I don’t think they wanted everyone to sit it out. And his captaincy has been great.”