The fourth test of the Ashes series is heading to a decisive end on Day 5 with Australia fighting hard for a draw against the gritty England. Australia was bowled out for 317 in the first innings, after a bleak batting display on Day 1. David Warner‘s form has been scratchy which has been a concern for the team. David Warner hasn’t been able to assert his dominance over the team.
David Warner’s waning form in the series had been under the scanner, and there were talks about him not featuring in the Australian lineup for the fourth test. The struggling opener got starts in both innings of the fourth test scoring 32 and 28 in both innings but failed to convert them into big scores. Former Michael Vaughan believed that David Warner batted alright in the fourth test, but expressed his doubts on the batter’s ability to bat for long hours.
He’s actually played alright here – Michael Vaughan
Michael Vaughan sat down with Cricbuzz after the end of day 3 and went on to point out David Warner’s inability to convert starts into big scores, as has been the story throughout this test series.
“But when you are getting in and getting out consistently, there is that sharpness that you lose. Warner’s actually moved better here at Old Trafford than he has for a long time. He was batting outside of his crease, going at the ball and playing really nice shots and playing late.” said Michael Vaughan.
David Warner has struggled to find runs in Test Cricket since 2021. He has only had one century in Test Matches in 24 Test Matches since the double hundred against South Africa in his 100th Test. The southpaw has carried over his lean patch into the Ashes series managing to score a mere 201 runs in eight innings at an average of 25.12, deeply concerning stats for an opener.
He’ll play at the Oval – Michael Vaughan
Michael Vaughan reckons that Warner will play the final test match in Oval, as the management wouldn’t risk trying new names at such a late stage.
Don’t see how you bring in Marcus Harris at this stage of the Ashes. Don’t think he’s that far away but has to be really sharp in his mind to concentrate for longer periods,” said Vaughan.
Despite a string of low scores by Warner, Australia managed to win the first two test matches before the host struck back to win the third. England is on the course to level the series on Day 5, if rain doesn’t play spoilsport. Australia would desperately require some assistance from the rain gods if they were to win the first Ashes series away from home since 2001.
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