Warner tells young Renshaw to stay clear of media

Veteran Aussie advises youngster on how to keep pressure from getting to him

MELBOURNE: Australia vice-captain David Warner has urged his under-pressure opening partner Matt Renshaw to avoid reading newspapers this week and score some runs in the Sheffield Shield ahead of the opening Test of the Ashes.

The 21-year-old Renshaw has averaged 36.64 from his 10 Tests in a positive start to his international career but has had a tough Shield campaign for Queensland, failing to surpass 20 runs in his four innings.

Neither coach Darren Lehmann nor any of Australia's other selectors have queried the youngster's spot in the Test side but his poor run of form has attracted plenty of scrutiny from local media in the lead-up to the Gabba Test starting November 23.

Warner will be on the opposite side when Renshaw pads up against New South Wales at Brisbane's Adelaide Border field from Tuesday but wished the opener well.

"I want him to score runs this week. He's been under a bit of pressure this week, there's been a bit of talk in the media," Warner told local media on Sunday. "You have to keep putting the numbers on the board. As a youngster I would be steering clear of newspapers this week."

Renshaw's task has been made easier, with New South Wales resting their trio of Test bowlers, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, who were superb in defeating Western Australia in the previous round.

Renshaw enjoyed a fine home summer against South Africa and Pakistan, but since stroking 60 against India in Bengaluru in March, he has not scored a half-century in nine Test innings.

"I want him to do well. I am a mate of his and wish him success," said Warner. "He's got to keep playing well. When I see that at the other end it brings a spark to my eye because you know your partner is on as well."

Halfway across the country, England's crushing 192-run win over a weak Cricket Australia XI in the tour match in Adelaide came with a warning from former Test paceman Ryan Harris.

"I think it is (vulnerable), especially with no Ben Stokes," said Harris, who coached the home side, about the tourists' batting.

England's bowlers performed well in the four-day game but former captain Alastair Cook's lean tour continued with scores of 15 and 32.

"I think (Cook) looked a bit rusty, I guess," added Harris. "I'm sure he'll look forward to another hit next week. But we all know what he can do. You don't score over 10,000 runs and not be any good."

England play their final warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI in Townsville, in far northern Queensland state, from Wednesday.