Dave Warner Returning for Australia Does Not Help Their Ashes Chances

One punch in a Birmingham bar, a trip to South Africa and an innings of 193 runs later, batsman Dave Warner is back in the Australia squad and could play England in the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford on August 1.

On Eurosport, Darren Lehmann was quoted as saying that a decision has not been taken yet on whether his return to the squad will also mean a return to the team:

"

"He got 193 [for Australia A against South Africa A] and played well, did exactly what we wanted him to do.

"We want blokes to make hundreds, and he's ticked that box. We'll have to look at the wicket and what we come up with in the top six."

"

Australia, who have lost both Ashes Tests so far this summer, are desperately in need of runs. Every innings has seen a massive collapse.

In that sense, recalling a man who has just scored 193 in an innings makes a lot of sense.

In practice, Warner does not offer much more than those already in the team.

Australia have got themselves in trouble because their middle order has played too freely. When they have lost wickets, they have failed to dig in and grind out scores, as Ian Bell has played particularly effectively for England. Warner, a naturally aggressive player, does not address this.

It may come off—and it may be devastatingly effective when it does—but it is also highly likely to fail.

In 34 Test innings (as per the stats on Cricinfo) he has fallen for less than 20 on 15 occasions—and has passed 50 ten times. His average, just a whisker below 40, does not strike fear into opposition.

When James Anderson and company line up to bowl at him, they will like their odds.

They'll also be encouraged to sledge him, given the way he's conducted himself of late. England have largely been respectful of their opponents despite how one-sided the series has become—Warner could actually bring out a "meaner" side of England.

Warner is a powder keg of a player, both in his play and in his behavior. Having been sent to join the Aussie A team after punching England's Joe Root on a night out, he was again in trouble for the way he interacted with South Africa A wicketkeeper in his last match, reports Sky Sports, contradicting his own view that it was harmless fun:

"

Great to be back playing cricket, had lots of fun this week and a bit of friendly banter from the wicket keeper. Was very funny!!

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) July 27, 2013"

His reintroduction could also expose more division in the Australia team, if the tweets from Warner's brother Steven (which Dave Warner had to issue an apology for, as reported by the Daily Telegraph) are anything to go by:

"

“F------ selfish [Shane] Watson the sooner your [sic] out if [sic] the side you great pretender the better.”

"

The trouble is Australia lack options. Ed Cowan made runs in the warm-up against Sussex, but looked desperately limited against England in the first Test. Phil Hughes has been exposed (and shuffled around) in the middle order. Matthew Wade does not look strong enough to be a batsman. 

For Lehmann, Warner will be a different—and therefore tempting—option. 

What the Australia side needs is some batting security. What it would get with Warner is a lottery ticket.