Cricket Australia’s Warner in the spotlight as Cummins says all options on the table | Mighty 790 KFGO

(Reuters) David Warners’ hopes of an early retirement from international cricket have dimmed after Australia’s openers fell short in England’s defeat at Headingley and Mitchell Marshs return to the side.

With all-rounder Cameron Green expected to be fit for the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford, Warner could miss out if the selectors decide to retain Marsh after his scintillating century in Australia’s three-wicket loss in the first innings.

Warner managed five runs at Headingley, cutting the series average to 23.5. He was dismissed by nemesis Stuart Broad in both innings with nicks.

England have now removed the left-hander quickly 17 times in his career, prompting Australian media pundits to question whether he is worth the risk of maintaining, say, a 2-1 lead over England in the five-Test series.

The number one problem is you stuck with Warner, gave him every chance, and (Stuart) Broads still got his number,” former Australia captain Michael Clarke said of his former teammate on Sky Sports Radio.

The first thing you need to think about is, is David Warners time up?

Warner has drawn up his ideal retirement plans and announced earlier in the tour that he hopes the home summer in Sydney against Pakistan will be his swansong in Test cricket.

Australian captain Pat Cummins refused to back Warners’ place at Old Trafford but said it would be difficult to drop Marsh.

You keep all options open, Cummins told reporters.

We have nine or 10 days now, take a deep breath, go away for a few days.

But you know, everybody’s coming back to it, Greeny should be fine for Manchester, Josh (Hazlewood) will be back there too.

We should have a full list.

Australia could promote Travis Head’s opening in the Warners slot to make room for the Greens’ involvement with Marsh.

Head opened the batting successfully in the recent tour of India when Warner was not injured in the middle overs.

However, Marsh said he could not see room for two all-rounders in Australia’s XI.

I don’t think so, he said.

It is important (for the Greens) to be on our side. We’ve seen how important he is to our side over the last couple of years. Well, we just have to wait and see.

(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford)