Slack Warner ‘needs kick up the backside’

REGARDLESS of his run-in with England’s Joe Root, David Warner’s form is not good enough to warrant a place in Australia’s one-day side, according to former Test player and international cricket coach Tom Moody.

Since blazing consecutive one-day international (ODI) centuries against Sri Lanka in March last year, Warner has posted only three ODI halfcenturies in 18 knocks.

It’s the sort of form that led Moody, who was commentating on Australia’s Champions Trophy clash with New Zealand on Wednesday, to suggest Warner’s enforced absence had helped the team.

‘‘I think the Warner thing was a blessing in disguise,’’ Moody said.

‘‘ I don’t think Warner should have played today. I don’t think his form warrants it and I think he needs a timely kick up the backside.

‘‘Not because of his behaviour off the field because I wouldn’t know what that’s like – apart from what we’ve heard just recently.

‘‘But his form – he’s scored one half-century in his past 10 innings.’’

The 26-year-old’s place at the top of Australia’s Test order is also in question, especially after national selectors recalled forgotten opener Chris Rogers.

The explosive but enigmatic hitter averages a reasonable 39.46 in Tests, compared to his ODI average of 29.81.

Warner averaged 31.53 from 16 digs in this year’s Indian Premier League tournament, despite his usual prowess in the Twenty20 format. Australia have picked five openers in their Ashes squad and, with Shane Watson bowling again, he’s firming to return to his preferred position and partner Rogers or Ed Cowan at the top of the order for the first Test at Trent Bridge on July 10.

Warner has always maintained his desire to remain an opener, but adjusting to a new role where he’s kept away from the swinging new ball down at No.6 might be his best chance at staying in the team.