Cricket legends uncertain about David Warner’ readiness for Tests

Australian opening batsman David Warner’ readiness for Test cricket is a contentious issue among legends Mark Waugh, Tony Greig, Ian Healy and Stuart MacGill.

Waugh said that he would have liked to have seen Warner have more first-class runs and centuries under his belt before he was given his Test debut.

He, however, is confident that the 25-year-old “is a very dangerous batsman who can change a game in a twinkling in all forms of the game”.

Healy also thought that Warner was probably not ready, but Greig thought it was a gamble and one the Australian selectors might as well take.

“A gamble, but it may turn out to be one worth taking,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Greig, as saying.

On the other hand, MacGill says that Warner should have played the recent three-Test series against South Africa ahead of incumbent Phillip Hughes. 
 
“David knows what’s required to win cricket matches and goes about doing just that. He bats, fields and bowls with the intention of getting things done as soon as possible so that he can start again,” MacGill said.

“I think it’s vital to pick guys when they are in form, so the timing is perfect,” he added.

Warner is poised to debut in the first Test against New Zealand this week if Shane Watson and Shaun Marsh fail to recover from injury.

He was placed on standby for Australia’s recent tours against Sri Lanka and South Africa.

If selected, the 25-year-old would partner Hughes at the top of the order.