David Warner suggests Matt Renshaw to evade newspapers ahead of Ashes

With less than a fortnight for the Ashes to kick off, the newspapers and media have been in a frenzy. Thus, in a bid to keep the air positive, Australia vice-captain David Warner has urged his under-pressure opening partner Matt Renshaw to avoid reading newspapers. Instead, the left-hander suggested Renshaw to score some runs in the Sheffield Shield this week ahead of the opening Test of the Ashes.

Warner, who will be on the opposite side when Renshaw pads up against New South Wales at Brisbane’s Adelaide Border field also wished the opener luck. Averaging at 36.64 from his 10 Tests, the 21-year-old has enjoyed a positive start to his international career. However, he has had a tough Shield campaign for Queensland, failing to surpass 20 runs in his four innings.

Neither coach Darren Lehmann nor any of the selectors have queried the youngster’s spot in the Test side. However, his recent shortcoming has insinuated mixed feeling and has attracted plenty of scrutiny from local media in the leadup to the Gabba Test starting November 23.

Speaking to the local media, Warner revealed, “I want him to score runs this week. He’s been under a bit of pressure this week, there’s been a bit of talk in the media. You have to keep putting the numbers on the board. As a youngster, I would be steering clear of newspapers this week.”

Cook’s lean form an issue for England

Halfway across the country, England cruised to victory with a 192-run win over Cricket Australia XI in the tour match in Adelaide. Their bowlers performed well in the four-day game but former captain Alastair Cook’s lean form remains a pressing issue. Cook managed scores of 15 and 32 in their preparatory games.

The Lions play their final warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI in Townsville, in far northern Queensland state, from Wednesday.