David Warner's Ashes ambitions in jeopardy

image-lefkucpfWarner ruled out of second Test [Associated Press]

David Warner's spot for the 2023 Ashes series against England is in great danger. The Aussie opener has had a torrid time in Test cricket and the selectors are contemplating his position for the blockbuster clash against England in June.

Despite scoring a double hundred against South Africa last year, Warner has been relatively out of form in the longest format, and Australia selector Tony Dodemaide has failed to guarantee the southpaw a place in the squad for the Ashes.

Warner has left the ongoing India tour after suffering a fractured elbow in the second Test at Delhi. He was subbed out of the game prior to the start of second day of the Delhi Test, but is hopeful to make a return for the ODI series, starting in March.

So far in the series, Warner has accumulated a mere 26 runs in three innings, and was replaced by Matt Renshaw as a concussion substitute in the second innings.

When asked if the 36-year-old is still in contention for a place in the Aussie squad for Ashes tour, selector Dodemaide didn't give a clear cut answer.

“We’re worried about what we can get out of these remaining two Tests, obviously that’s a clear focus for us at the moment,” Dodemaide said.

He added: “We’ll address the Ashes planning (at a later time), but we are committed to picking the best fit and available players for Test series, particularly something as big as the Ashes."

Warner has made his intentions clear to play Test cricket (at-least till The Ashes). However, a string of poor performances has not helped his cause.

Australia are already trailing in the ongoing series against India, and with Pat Cummins (personal reasons), and Josh Hazlewood (injury issues) back in Australia, things have turned from bad to worse for the visitors.