'Not just Uzzie': David Warner says 'all the top order' need 'big runs' after diminishing returns
Former opener David Warner believes Australia's top six should be feeling the pressure after an underwhelming start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
In the opening two Test matches against India, Australia's batting lineup has been inconsistent with mixed results out in the middle. This placed a heavy reliance on the side's pacemen.
Thought to be indispensable for Australia, Usman Khawaja has scored just 34 runs across the two Tests and has reached 50 in only one of his past 16 innings for the national team.
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Usman Khawaja walks off the field after being dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah during the first Test. Cameron Spencer via Getty Images
But according to Khawaja's former opening partner, Warner, the soon-to-be 38-year-old is not the only Australian batter who should be concerned about their performance.
At No.3, Marnus Labuschagne was battling at the crease before a reaffirming 64 runs in Adelaide while Steve Smith has added just 19 runs to Australia's total in his three innings this series.
So far, Travis Head is the only Australian player to score a century after his blistering 140 at the Adelaide Oval earned him player of the match.
Speaking to media on Wednesday, Warner called on Australia's top-order batters to raise the bar in the third Test to give the quicks a much-deserved break.
"I think the pressure is on all of the top order, not just Uzzie," he said.
"Travis came out and counterpunched and scored a brilliant hundred — and we know he's capable of doing it — but it's everyone else around supporting that.
Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja during the first Test. Getty
"It's not just one player in particular, it's the top six scoring bulk runs and making sure you're giving rest to the fast bowlers.
"It was a fast-paced Test in the first game, but this last one was Mitchell Starc at his best as usual with the pink ball.
"Come Brisbane, we need to see some big runs from the top order.
"This bowling attack from India is relentless if they bowl in partnerships. If they bowl like they did the other day with just (Jasprit) Bumrah, hopefully the boys can score some big runs against them."
Nathan McSweeney — Warner's replacement in the opening batting spot — has weathered a baptism of fire to the Test arena this series, but showed promise with a hard-fought 39 in the first innings in Adelaide under lights.
"He's had four of probably the five hardest jobs when it comes to an opening batsman, and I think he's handled it well," Warner said of McSweeney's performance in the role.
David Warner. Getty
"We saw glimpses the other day of the intent that you show when you're scoring, and there are a lot of question marks around why they chose him, but the glimpses that you've seen, we now know why.
"He's got a good temperament, I like the way he sets up and I think he's got a good future ahead of him."
Despite lingering calls for young gun Sam Konstas to come into the side as support, Warner does not see the 19-year-old's inclusion as the answer to Australia's woes — just yet.
"That's up to the selectors," he said.
"They would have picked him if they thought he was ready by now."
With the series tied 1-1, the third Test against India gets underway at 11.20am AEDT on Saturday at The Gabba.
