Mark Taylor Backs Warner for WTC Final and Ashes Opener 

image-lgluqlhgDavid Warner scored a double-ton at MCG Test last year [Twitter]

All eyes will be on the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final between India and Australia in June at The Oval. It will be a precursor to the much-hyped The Ashes 2023, where England will want to reclaim the coveted urn from Australia, who currently have it in their possession.

It will be a jam-packed season for Australia, with much focus on players like David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Usman Khawaja, to provide their side with solid starts.

Warner has been undergoing a rough patch, with several former players and critics questioning his place in the side for the England tour.

Former Australian skipper Mark Taylor has, however, stated that Warner should play the WTC final and the first two Ashes Tests before being dropped.

Cricket Australia (CA) are due to name Australia's squad for the WTC Final and The Ashes next week.

As per Perthnow, Taylor urged selectors to pick either Cameron Bancroft or Matt Renshaw as backup openers, ahead of Marcus Harris.

Here's what Taylor said

"If I am reading the tea leaves right, it sounds like they will stick with David for the World Test Championship at The Oval. And if that's the way Australia are thinking about the World Test Championship, then yes, they have to start with him for the Ashes. 

It would be very hard to have Usman Khawaja and Warner open the batting and then change a week later for the first Test at Edgbaston. Whoever they think is our best opening combination for the World Test Championship, should do the first three Tests of the summer."

Warner is currently participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, leading Delhi Capitals, having scored 228 runs thus far.

The WTC Final starts on June 7, while The Ashes 2023 begins on June 16.