Australia needs England to beat India if it is to reach the World Test Championship final, but David Warner can’t bring himself to barrack for his Ashes rivals.

India holds a 2-1 lead in the four-Test series against England, with the final Test starting in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Victory for Joe Root’s men is the only way that Australia can qualify for the Test championship final, slated to be held at Lord’s this year.

Warner, who used the words “hatred” and “war” in 2017 while pumping up Australia’s rivalry with England, isn’t ready to offer a pre-match message of support.

“No, I won’t be barracking for England,” Warner said.

“It’d be ideal for us to make the World Test Championship final. If that happens, it’s a great result for us.”

Warner praised the recent form of England captain Root, describing recent debate over the pitch for the third Test as funny and entertaining.

David Warner has previously compared matches against England to “war”.

Meanwhile, Warner said Pat Cummins would be a “great appointment” if he becomes Australia’s next captain.

Cummins will lead NSW in Thursday’s clash with South Australia, having been given the reins of his state’s one-day team to help the paceman and Cricket Australia (CA) assess whether he could be a successor to Tim Paine and/or Aaron Finch.

“Pat is doing a great job here with NSW … he’s vice-captain for Australia,” Warner said.

“He’s been learning the role, he’s got a very good cricket brain.

“I did see Steve [Smith]’s comments about him being a fast bowler. I understand where Steve’s coming from.

“It can be quite challenging. If you’re out there in a Test match and you’ve bowled ‘x’ overs and been out there all day, it could be quite challenging.

“It’s up to the board … it’s not my place to talk about who will be captain or who I feel would be the best person.”

Cricket Australia barred Warner from holding a leadership title as part of its response to the Cape Town cheating scandal.

AAP



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