Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes that Australia should select batsman David Warner for the third Test of the Ashes against England on Thursday.
The 26-year-old, who recently hit 193 runs for Baggy Greens 'A' in South Africa, is expected to be picked for the Old Trafford encounter, having served a suspension for the first two matches for punching Joe Root in a nightclub in June.
However, with Australia currently trailing the series 2-0, Hussain feels that the characteristics of Warner are exactly what the side need in order to mount a fightback.
"Australia urgently need a fresh and different approach if they are to keep their slim Ashes hopes alive at Old Trafford and David Warner might just be the man to provide it," Hussain told Sky Sports News. "The tourists can't keep going around in circles; at 2-0 down the time has come to pick their team on character and consistency otherwise the rot will just continue.
"Warner's mistakes are well-documented and he's clearly had his issues but Australia's need for top-order runs is greater; embarrassingly tail-ender Ashton Agar remains their leading run-scorer in the series. It won't be easy for Warner to come straight back into the Australian team and deliver after jetting in from South Africa but all of his indiscretions will be forgotten and forgiven back home if he goes out and smashes 150 at Old Trafford.
"His character traits mean he will occasionally get himself in trouble - last week's on-field spat with South African A's Thami Tsolekile being the latest example - but I'm sure Australia can manage that side of things providing he's doing the business on the field. Darren Lehmann doesn't want 11 'yes men' out there; he doesn't want everyone to be all 'nicey, nicey'. Boof likes tough cricketers who can perform. Personally, I would pick Warner."
The third Test takes place on Thursday at Old Trafford.
Matt Cotton
