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'It Is Him And Haydos..': Usman Khawaja Back David Warner For Old Trafford Test

image-lk6iw8s4David Warner has scored 141 runs in three Ashes 2023 Tests [Source: Twitter]

The pressure is mounting on David Warner to score big runs as Australia heads into the fourth Test of the ongoing Ashes 2023 series, which they lead 2-1. Apart from a solitary 66 in the first innings in Lord's match, Warner's form has been poor lacking with just 141 runs across three Tests.

Reports of the left-opener pondering upon Test retirement are gaining momentum, however, long-time friend and opening partner Usman Khawaja has backed the former to feature in the Manchester Test, which starts July 19.

As quoted by WAToday, speaking after Sunday's practice session, Khawaja, who is the leading run-getter (356) said that Warner is amongst the best openers, and said both will definitely open for Australia come Wednesday. 


Here's what Khawaja said

"Yep, from my point of view David Warner has been one of the greatest openers of all time. It is him and 'Haydos' [Matthew Hayden] right up there for Australia I reckon, the top two ever, so I will always back Davey no matter what, and I think the other guys will, too."

The opener further explained that being an opener is a 'thankless job', while highlighting Warner and his contribution in the second Test, which Australia won by 43 runs.

"It [opening the batting] is a thankless job. We got a really good start at Lord's in heavy overhead conditions. I got out last over before lunch, but that sets up the game for us."

"Steve Smith came out and batted in the sunshine and made a beautiful hundred. I think as an opener sometimes you don't always record your good days on how many runs you made. Sometimes it’s just about grinding through those tough times, which we did in that Test match."

Australia will look to take inspiration from hosts England, who won the Leeds encounter despite trailing 2-0, and make a comeback at Old Trafford and clinch the series well before the fifth and final Test, which is scheduled for July 27.