Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Warner has been made to attend a Test training programme

With David Warner having been demoted to the position of waterboy for the next couple of days after earning himself a suspension till the first Ashes Test on July 10 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, former Australia coach Mickey Arthur believes it would be a huge mistake to allow the opening batsman to play in the first Test as he will not have participated in any competitive cricket prior to the highly anticipated series.

Warner was handed the suspension and a fine of A$11,500 for punching England’s Joe Root at the Walkabout bar in Birmingham on June 8.

With Warner sitting on the sidelines, it would mean that he will not have played any Test cricket since Australia’s 4-0 whitewashing at the hands of India in March.

“Hypothetically, it would be a risk,” Arthur said. “He wouldn’t have had any cricket – but he would have had training. We’ve got plans to give him some centre-wicket practice. I guess it’s an opportunity for other members in the squad to stand up in the first two practice games, because if they do that, they’ve got a real good chance of starting that first Test.

“A centre-wicket is the only way we can almost replicate match conditions. That’s what we’ll be trying to do with Dave while the boys are playing against Somerset and Worcestershire.”

Instead of the warm-up matches, Warner has been enrolled in a Test training programme.

“We’ve got to give David the first possible chance and the best possible preparation to be ready for the first Test match – if we select him,” Arthur said. “He comes down early and we get our work done with him. He’s now gone from the white ball to the red ball. He’s working daily on that and I think that’s right. We’ve got to service our player to make sure that he’s ready to go, come the Ashes.”

Arthur also refused to reveal any details of what occurred on Warner’s ill-fated night, stating that the details of what had happened were “irrelevant”.

“I certainly think Dave has put it behind him,” Arthur added. “He’s learnt a big lesson that will hopefully work in the right way for him. The squad is totally focused on the cricket and we all are. That’s what we’re here for: to have a big English summer. Nothing will deter us from that.”