David Warner concedes opening partner is 'under a bit of pressure' ahead of first Ashes Test
Renshaw urged to block out the noise
Australia vice-captain David Warner admits opening partner Matt Renshaw is under pressure ahead of the first Magellan Ashes Test in Brisbane.
And Warner has some advice for his teammate ahead of his last chance to impress before the Ashes squad is named on Friday - score some runs and don't read the media.
Renshaw will get a final crack at silencing his critics in Queensland's JLT Sheffield Shield clash with Warner's NSW Blues starting in Brisbane on Monday. The 21-year-old has amassed just 53 runs at 13.25 in four Shield knocks so far this season.
Another failure against a depleted Blues attack this week will only further fuel speculation that Western Australia's Shaun Marsh or Cameron Bancroft could displace the 10-Test opener during the summer, although his spot for the first Test appears safe for now.
NSW's Test trio Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins have all been rested for the Shield game at Allan Border Field and will instead train together alongside fellow quick Jackson Bird to prepare for the Gabba Test.
Warner said he wanted to see Renshaw score runs this week, even if it was at the expense of his new-look Blues attack.
"I want him to score runs this week. He's been under a bit of pressure, there's been a bit of talk in the media," he said.
"But that's what this game is about, you've got to keep putting the numbers on the board.
"As a youngster, I would be steering clear of reading any newspapers."
The stage is set for Renshaw to find some form against a second-string yet strong Blues attack of Trent Copeland, Doug Bollinger and Sean Abbott on what is expected to be a batting-friendly Allan Border Field deck.
Warner said he not only wanted runs, he also wanted to see intent from Renshaw, who has a Test average of 36.64.
"He's got to keep playing the way he plays," he said.
"(But) we always talk about intent. Intent can be the way you leave the ball or your mannerisms at the crease as well.
"Those things bring a spark to my eye when I am at the other end because you know when your partner is on."
Warner wouldn't bite on another contentious issue, who should bat at No.6, but said NSW teammate Peter Nevill would revel in a return as Australia's wicketkeeper.
Nevill is reportedly poised to usurp Matthew Wade and reclaim the gloves a year after his sacking.
"From where I stand I think he has done a good job," Warner said.
"I have played the last couple of games with him and he has been outstanding the way he has been around the guys.
"He has a fantastic work ethic. I am sure if the selectors go that way he will give 100 per cent like he does for every team he plays for."
2017-18 International Fixtures:
Magellan Ashes Series
First Test Gabba, November 23-27. Buy tickets
Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Buy tickets
Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Buy tickets
Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Buy tickets
Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Buy tickets
Gillette ODI Series v England
First ODI MCG, January 14. Buy tickets
Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Buy tickets
Third ODI SCG, January 21. Buy tickets
Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Buy tickets
Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28. Join the ACF
Prime Minister's XI
PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Buy tickets
Gillette T20 INTL Series
First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Buy tickets
Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Buy tickets
Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Buy tickets
Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 13
Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16
Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18
Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21