Michael Clarke backs David Warner to bounce back
Clarke, who returned to Sydney late Wednesday, emphasised the left-hander remained a vital part of the Australian set-up across all three formats despite his problems.
Australia captain Michael Clarke has backed dynamic but troubled batsman David Warner to bounce back from his disappointing tour of England, saying he remains a big part of the team.
Warner missed the first two Tests of the Ashes after being suspended in the run-up to the series for punching England's Joe Root in a Birmingham bar following Australia's Champions Trophy defeat to their arch-rivals.
He was then dropped for the one-day matches against England and returned home early to Australia.
Clarke, who returned to Sydney late Wednesday, emphasised the left-hander remained a vital part of the Australian set-up across all three formats despite his problems.
"Davey is certainly a big part of the Australian team, whatever format," Clarke said. "Hopefully he's training his backside off... I'm pretty sure he would be.
"I've spoken to him a couple of times on the phone.
"He knows we've got a huge summer ahead and when an opportunity comes up again, I'm sure he'll grab it with both hands."
Australia are due to play seven ODIs and one T20 in India from October 11 before hosting England in the return Ashes series, with the first Test in Brisbane on November 21.
Warner played just one match during Australia's involvement in the Champions Trophy in England in June, scoring nine runs before being suspended.
He has only played three more ODIs this year, in January against Sri Lanka, where he scored 10, 60 and four.