Australia will attempt to simulate match-type conditions for David Warner to help prepare the suspended batsman for the Ashes.
The 26-year-old is banned from the rest of the Champions Trophy and from Australia’s two tour matches leading into the Test series after his late-night incident in Birmingham.
Warner’s suspension also prevents him from being sent to play any form of lower league cricket in England.
Coach Mickey Arthur says it would be risky to throw an out of form Warner into the first Test at Trent Bridge with no red-ball matches under his belt.
However, Warner won’t be completely written off and coaching staff will give him the best possible chance of retaining his place somewhere in the batting order.
“We’ve got a responsibility to get him right and prepare him the best way possible, so a centre wicket is the only way we can almost replicate match conditions,” Arthur said.
“That’s all we’ll be trying to do. While the boys are playing against Somerset and Worcestershire we’ll endeavour to find a place where we can give Dave some centre wicket practice as well.”
Warner was the first batsman in the nets at training at The Oval on Saturday and that’s the way it will stay.
He’s forced to come early to face the red ball in the nets, before his teammates file in for their immediate Champions Trophy practice.
Warner was energetic at training despite rain forcing Australia into the indoor nets.
After working with batting coach Michael Di Venuto, Warner was up and about – bowling and providing throw downs to teammates.
Arthur admits Warner’s suspension puts other openers Ed Cowan, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson in the box seat to secure places at the top of the order.
“I guess it would be a real opportunity for the other batsmen in the squad to stand up in the first two practice games. Because if they do that they’ve got a real good chance of starting that first Test match,” he said.
“Hypothetically, yes (it would be risky to play Warner first up). He would have had a lot of training mind you. But no cricket.”
