David Warner continues to garner support despite lean Test run

It’s been nearly three years since David Warner scored a Test century, but no one in the Australian camp doubts he’s got more in him.

David Warner is under the pump. Picture: Patrick Hamilton / AFP

Having his back against the wall and with pressure building is exactly the scenario for out-of-form opener David Warner to thrive as he heads to his 100th Test on Boxing Day, according to Steve Smith.

Despite Australia’s 2-0 whitewash of the West Indies and an opening Test victory over South Africa, the blowtorch has turned on 36-year-old Warner who hasn’t made much of a contribution in those wins.

His net return of just 52 runs from three innings, combined with not making a Test century since January 2020, has some suggesting his time in a baggy green could soon be up.

But he has the support of national selection chief George Bailey, and on Wednesday long-time teammate Steve Smith declared Warner was the type of person who “wouldn’t” be feeling any pressure.

David Warner was out for a duck against South Africa in Brisbane. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

His social media prank on Tuesday, where Warner suggested he was flying to Bali before the MCG Test, was indicative of a man “in a pretty good place” and that could mean runs flow in Melbourne.

“I think we’ve seen Davey, when his back’s up against the wall, he’s done pretty well,” Smith said, highlighting Warner’s player of the tournament efforts in last year’s T20 World Cup after a lean lead-in.

“And you only have to look a couple of weeks ago too and a one-day game out here against England, he scored 100 on what was a pretty tough wicket as well. So he’s batting nicely.

“I think he‘s in a pretty good place, honestly, he’s been batting a lot in the nets, batting well.

“It doesn’t matter what format of the game, Davey always plays in a pretty similar way, which has been the beauty of him in Test cricket, being able to take the game on from ball one.

“Sometimes it doesn’t work, and he hasn’t had a great deal of luck lately.”

While Warner is under the pump for lack of output, fast bowler Scott Boland faces the prospect of missing out despite starring with the ball again after his recall to the team.

The impending return of injured quick Josh Hazlewood could mean Boland, who took an unforgettable 6-7 on Test debut at the MCG last year and now has 28 wickets at an average of 10, could be dropped.

Scott Boland is set to be the unluckiest Australian on Boxing Day. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Smith said Boland had been “incredible” for Australia and was glad he didn’t have to make the call.

“I think it’d be tough on Scotty if he gets left out for sure,” he said,

“Boxing Day last year he was just incredible and he’s been incredible since he started.

“He’s got that ability to hit the stumps from probably a shorter length than a lot of the other bowlers being a little bit shorter and a bit skiddier, so brings in both sides of the bat, whereas Josh is probably a little bit more bouncy and brings in the outside edge more than the inside edge.

“They’re both different and I think that’s the beauty with our attack at the moment. Everyone bowls slightly different, but they’re all really good at what they do.

“I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision.”