Struggling David Warner A Concern For Australia Ahead Of Cricket T20 World Cup

David Warner is in the midst of a prolonged retirement tour for international cricket. He finished his 50-over career in dream-like fashion with a stunning World Cup triumph when Australia stunned host India last November.

He then embarked on a lengthy Test farewell in the Australian summer, which felt slightly heavy-handed with Warner being a polarizing figure even amongst his compatriots.

Some have never forgiven Warner for his role in Australia's infamous cheating scandal of 2018, which resulted in a 12-month suspension and a life leadership ban - a punishment he has unsuccessfully attempted to overturn.

Despite teasing that he was available if needed for next year's Champions Trophy, Warner's last dance will be at the upcoming T20 World Cup in the U.S. and Caribbean.

But Warner has been out of form in the Indian Premier League - the biggest and most lucrative T20 competition in the world - and he was dropped from Delhi Capitals' line-up after scoring just 37 runs from his last four innings. There are reports in Australia that Warner is battling injury.

The 37-year-old was sidelined recently with a thumb injury, but his demotion - whatever the reason - is undoubtedly a worry with the T20 World Cup in the U.S. and Caribbean just over a month away.

Australia are set to announce their squad next month and Warner is guaranteed to be in it. But there are question marks over the makeup of Australia's opening combination. It had been assumed that Warner was guaranteed a spot with intrigue over who would partner with him.

Travis Head, who became something of a cult figure in Australia after his heroics in the World Cup final and revelry afterwards, has essentially cemented his spot as an opener through devastating big-hitting at the top of the order for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.

And Australia's hierarchy might be intrigued by dynamic youngster Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has enjoyed the bright lights of the IPL while it's batting-friendly pitches have been suited for the big-hitter coming off a breakout Australian domestic season.

With big-hitting in vogue - Australia's line-up is stacked with powerful batters relegating legendary longform batter Steve Smith to an onlooker - Fraser-McGurk might prove a compelling case for national selectors.

But unless something goes drastically wrong, like his injury woes deepen, then Warner will almost certainly be a starter for Australia's World Cup. Romanticism aside, this is not about the perfect ending. Australia's uncompromising chiefs have not let sentiment sway them in the past.

Warner's experience will come to the fore in the Caribbean, where Australia is entirely based. They won't be playing in the U.S. host cities of New York, Dallas and Lauderhill as Australia starts their campaign against Oman on June 6.

Given Australia rarely play against smaller cricket nations, they don't venture to the Caribbean very often. Warner is one of few Australian players with experience in the conditions having played in the Caribbean Premier League. While West Indian grounds are generally much smaller than in Australia, the surfaces can be slow and spin-friendly - similar to South Asia, terrain Australia have struggled at in the past.

Warner's underrated batting smarts - where he can pull back the aggressiveness depending on the situation - make him an invaluable batter in a team that probably won't include Smith.

Australia might just be the favorites for the T20 World Cup. They looked irrepressible at times against New Zealand and West Indies in preparation, but there will undoubtedly be nervous moments along the way in a short format that can be volatile.

Ironically, given his tempestuous behaviour at times, Warner looms as a steadying influence for a helter-skelter Australia batting line-up that can veer towards recklessness when things don't come off.

If he can be a stabilizing force, and shrug off his current woes, then David Warner's long-winded retirement tour will end in fairy-tale fashion.