Warner backflips on Konstas debate as old teammate firms

It's only taken two weeks but David Warner has backflipped on who he thinks should open the batting for Australia in the Test arena.

Warner told reporters recently he'd like to see the selectors stick with Konstas and give him a crack after his struggles in the West Indies.

However, Konstas has performed poorly at the start of the Sheffield Shield season and was bowled shouldering arms against Queensland on Tuesday.

READ MORE: Fifita deal confirmed as overhaul gets major boost

READ MORE: Retirement backflip sparks ugly Supercars feud

READ MORE: Konstas' Ashes hopes take another blow with Shield failure

Speaking on Fox Cricket's coverage of the first T20I, admits he's probably changed his mind four times and has done it again by backing Matt Renshaw and explaining how he can now handle the arena properly.

"I thought before he had that big front foot planted across, now I think for him, I think he's worked that out and he's come back a better player," he said.

"Upstairs he's worked his game out (too)."

Warner also added Renshaw would be a great replacement down the line for Usman Khawaja if not picked.

Renshaw averaged 53.50 in the three ODIs against India recently, with a top score of 56. He also scored a century in his one Sheffield Shield innings this season. Khawaja himself has recently backed Renshaw for a return too.

In Warner's side for the first Test, Beau Webster would be the man to miss out if Cameron Green can bowl with the latter batting at No.6. 

"If he's your best batter, he has to play. It's a tough one, it's a tough one indeed. He's been unlucky, he had that back operation then his side goes on him," he said.

"He's still young, he's still growing into his body. It's not an easy thing to do to come in and bowl the ball halfway down the wicket and try and bowl 140 km/h, which he can do but he needs to bowl with rhythm."

With Pat Cummins out, Green's biggest asset could be the bouncer according to Warner with breathing space needed for Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

"If I'm in the England camp, I'm probably licking my lips a little bit because the way they targeted Boland in England, the wickets were a tad slower and flatter but they'll be thinking they can come out and be aggressive against them as well," he said.

Boland played in England three times in 2023 against England and India. He averaged 48, taking seven wickets.