Melbourne [Australia]: Former Australian vice-captain David Warner's road to redemption after getting included in Oz team's squad for the Ashes following a year-long ban for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal is not going well.
Unlike his former captain Steven Smith, Warner has so far failed in making an impact in the ongoing five-match Test series in England. However, despite his poor run in the longest format of the game, Tim Paine is expecting 'the very best David Warner this week'.
Warner scored 10 and eight runs in both the innings combined of the first and second Ashes Test respectively. Moreover, Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test.
"I've spoken a lot about the fact he averages close to fifty in Test cricket, and he's done that over a long period of time. I think with Steve missing this game, it might be the little poke and prod that Davey needs," Cricket.com.au quoted Paine as saying.
"He likes that responsibility and my experience with Davey is when people doubt him and his back is against the wall, he comes out swinging. I'm expecting the very best David Warner this week," he added.
Despite Warner failing to gather score, Australia has no reason to worry as of now because they have a 1-0 lead over England. They registered a massive 251-run victory in the first Ashes Test before the second match ended in a draw.
The third Ashes Test between Australia and England will commence from August 22.
