England v Australia: Poor one-day starts make David Warner a must for World Cup

THERE may still be a little sting in the tail of sandpaper-gate but the reality is David Warner walks straight back in to Australia’s one-day team if they really want to win next year’s World Cup.

David Warner chats with Darwin Cricket Club members. Picture: Michael Franchi

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THERE may still be a little sting in the tail of sandpaper-gate but the reality is David Warner walks straight back in to the Australian one-day team if they really want to win next year’s World Cup.

After two one-day losses to England nothing stands out more than his absence at the top of the order and it appears new coach Justin Langer is settled on the best way forward

In his return to public speaking, on Channel 9 on Saturday night, Warner was adamant he had spoken to all his teammates, the same ones who kept him at arms length after events in South Africa, and they would welcome him back.

David Warner chats with Darwin Cricket Club members. Picture: Michael Franchi

With that box ticked Warner has turned his mind to keeping his batting up to standard during his one year off, and added a stint in the Caribbean Premier League after his hits in Canada and the Northern Territory before a home summer of playing cricket.

Before that, however, Langer has used his four weeks and two games in charge of the “new era” to try a few opening moves which are yet to yield results — and every loss while he tests the waters adds to questions about Australia’s one-day standing.

Aaron Finch opened the batting in 87 of his 88 one-day games before this series, but found himself coming in No.5 in game two, as big Bash revelation D’Arcy Short was given an ODI debut and batted up top with Travis Head.

D’Arcy Short made just 21 on his one-day debut for Australia. Picture: AFP

The opening partnerships have been seven and 24 in two games so far, and the inability to get away early has just piled up pressure down the order.

Batting shouldn’t be the issue it has been either. While Short is new, the rest of the top six have 277 ODI games between them, and every one of them has an international century. Shaun Marsh got his fourth at Cardiff but didn’t have any helpers.

“We know we need to improve a fair bit to get that win. We’re heading in the right direction but we still need lots of improvement and hopefully we can see that in a few day’s time and try and get back into this series,” Marsh said after the loss in Cardiff.

He could be another option to open the batting too, but wouldn’t put his hand up.

“The coaching staff and the leadership group will discuss that … but I think they’ll stay the same,” Marsh said.

Australia's Shaun Marsh celebrates after reaching his century. Picture: AFP

Through his short time in charge Langer has presented a positive, united front, dealt with the still-lingering interest in the ball-tampering affair, and has backed up by his players who are determined to act and play in a way that demands all-day, every-day excellence.

It’s the approach Australian cricket needs after everyone from Ricky Ponting to new captain Tim Paine conceded too many “little things” were being let go under the old regimen.

But, while full of purpose, the pursuit of better needs results too because 12 months out from a World Cup defence every performance matters.

“We want to win and unfortunately we are just falling a little bit short at the moment,” Marsh said. “We need to regroup over the next few days and work on the areas we need to work on and hopefully put in an all-round performance at Trent Bridge.”

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