Candice Warner bristles at David question over Ashes selection
The wife of David Warner wasn't impressed with the spotlight on the Test opener.
Candice Warner has questioned why her husband, Test opener David Warner, has been singled out for criticism only hours before the 36-year-old was selected in the Ashes squad. Warner has struggled for runs over the last 18 months and his Test series in India has raised huge doubts over his participation in the Test Championship Final and the Ashes in a few months.
Scores of 10 and one in Nagpur has seen Warner's average drop to 21.78 in India across his career. Other than his double century at the MCG last year, Warner's most recent scores read 15, 10, 1, 10, 3, 0, 28, 21, 48, 5, 24, 5, 10* and 25.
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Warner has historically struggled against the Duke ball in England and Stuart Broad has dismissed the opener more than any other bowler throughout his career. Rightfully, there has been plenty of speculation over Warner's spot in the team and reports emerged on Tuesday that he would still be selected to travel.
However, this didn't sit well with Candice as she appeared in her new role as a regular on Fox Sports' The Back Page. When it was put to the group that there was controversy over David's inclusion, Candice questioned why he was being singled out in the spotlight.
"I don't know why Crash [Robbert Craddock] is singling David out," she said. When Fox Sports' NRL commentator Dan Ginnane said Warner needed to start the tour with a solid score, Candice questioned his comment.
"Absolutely he does, but so does the whole team," she said. Ginnane responded: "I understand, but he needs to start well, Candice."
Ginnane pointed out Warner's struggles in recent tours to England and said he might not have long at the top of the order if he doesn't perform. However, Candice hit back and questioned who would replace him.
She conceded that he hasn't always enjoyed his time playing in the UK during the Ashes, but questioned his replacement.
“His form wasn’t great that last Ashes. Stuart Broad had his number I think ten times. So it didn’t look good for him," she said.
"And he hasn’t performed well over there in the past. But who do you put in?” Ginnane clarified that he wasn't calling for Warner to be dropped from the XI as he also didn't know who would open wth Usman Khawaja.
Warner has managed to score some runs during the opening of the IPL, but the opener has come under fire for his slow run rate. Warner has scored three of the four slowest half centuries this year in the IPL and his run rate throughout the four opening games sits at 114.83, which is well below his career average of 141.30 off 99 T20 innings.
David Warner selected for Ashes Tour
After Candice Warner's discussion on the show, Warner's World Test Championship Final and Ashes selection was confirmed. He has been picked ahead of Marcus Harris, who will act as a back-up opener.
Another player that made the squad was allrounder Mitchell Marsh. He will act as a back-up allrounder to the in-form Cameron Green.
National selector George Bailey said the duo, alongside reserve wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, will round out the squad in case of injury.
"The World Test Championship is the culmination of more than two years of consistent performance at Test level by the team and the individuals involved, leading into an Ashes series which is always highly anticipated," Bailey said on Wednesday.
"The UK is a very different assignment from our most recent tour of India and some of the changes are based upon the conditions we are anticipating. Marcus (Harris), Josh (Inglis, reserve keeper) and Mitch (Marsh) return to the squad and will provide valuable depth and flexibility within their respective skillsets.
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