Ashes 2023: The way David Warner played in WTC Final is exactly what we want, says Andrew McDonald

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald wants David Warner to play in the upcoming Ashes precisely the way he did in the World Test Championship final against India. The left-hander scored 43 runs off just 60 balls in the first innings of WTC final at an impressive strike rate of 71.67 but he was dismissed for a solitary run in the second essay.

However, England’s veteran fast bowler Stuart Broad has been a thorn in David Warner’s flesh from the around-the-wicket angle. Broad has dismissed Warner nine times in the last four years – seven times in the 2019 home series alone – at a remarkable average of 7.22. Ergo, Warner will look to find the right answers against the lanky paceman.

Warner has all the experience under his belt and he will look to deliver the goods at the top of the order along with Usman Khawaja. The opening duo will aim to give solid starts to Australia and they are going to hold the key.

“I thought David Warner moved well in the first innings (against India). He got strangled down the leg side. You look at that, and you say ‘a little bit of luck there and potentially that’s a bigger score’. But the way he moved, the way he played is exactly what we want,” said McDonald in the presser ahead of the Ashes.

Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja could only score 13 runs collectively in two innings of the WTC Final against India. However, the left-hander has been in prime form for Australia in the last two years and he will be looking to deliver in the all-important Ashes.

“Uzzie’s (Usman Khawaja) last two years speak for themselves. There’s going to be failure points for any batters and he’s had one. But it doesn’t mean he’s any less prepared,” McDonald added.

Both Warner and Khawaja will look to be at their best against England. Australia also has a strong middle order in Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head.

The first Ashes Test will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from June 16 onwards.