Pat Cummins in brutal David Warner truth amid Ashes drama

David Warner could be set to be axed from the Australian team for the first time in his test career after struggling yet again in English conditions at Headingley. Pat Cummins was forced to slap down suggestions England had wrestled back momentum after taking the Headingley test on day four to leave the series at 2-1.

Mitchell Starc did his best effort to tear through the England batting line-up, but didn't have the support from the other bowlers with the host's chasing down the 251-run target in 50 overs. While Australia will have time to reflect on what went wrong in the test, which could have seen them secure their first series win in England since 2001, one of the biggest talkings points will be the position of Warner.

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There is little doubt Warner has been struggling for runs for quite some time now. To make matters worse, Australia stuck with the opener despite his horror record in England.

Warner struggled in the first two test matches getting out to right-arm bowlers from around the wicket on four occasions. This is despite two batter-friendly wickets.

And on a greener Headingley pitch, Warner was made to look even more desolate as his nemesis Stuart Broad took his wicket twice for four and one. Broad has now taken Warner's wicket 17 times throughout his test career. The opener averages 25.33 in England and has never scored a century in an away Ashes series.

While there hasn't been a standout candidate to take Warner's place in the build-up to the series, it appears Australia might have found one. Day one hero, Mitchell Marsh, could be seen as a replacement for Warner heading into the fourth test in nine days time.

Marsh returned with a stunning century after a four-year absence and was in good form with the ball. The allrounder opens the batting for the One Day International side and could be seen as a Warner replacement to bat with Usman Khawaja.

Pat Cummins leaves door open for XI changes

The other option is giving Cameron Green a run up the order, but it is more likely he will slot back into No.6 with Marsh potentialy opening. And in a huge sign that Australia might be set to axe the veteran for the first time, Cummins admitted that Warner was not a certainty to line-up in the next test.

"You keep all options open," Cummins said. "We've got nine or 10 days now, so we'll take a deep breath. We'll go away for a few days.

"But everyone comes back into it. Greeny should be fit for Manchester. Josh (Hazlewood) will be back in there as well. So we should have a full roster and we'll have a look at the wicket and have a chat and work out the best XI."

Warner's scores of four and one at Headingley took his series average to 23.5. Despite his woes, teammate Marsh isn't so sure there is room for him in the team for the next test.

"I don't think there is. That's alright." Marsh told cricket.com.au. "I don't want to comment on it too much. Ultimately, that stuff is out of my control. I've got a very, very close relationship with Greeny.

"It's important for him to be in our side. We've seen how important he is for our side over the last couple of years."

with AAP

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