The veteran opener was already facing a long road back to the baggy green in the wake of the controversy in Cape Town that has left Australia’s reputation in the cricket world in tatters. The question is not just whether Warner, a fixture in the Australia team since his Test debut in 2011, will be prepared for the anonymity of Sheffield Shield cricket to fight his way back but whether Cricket Australia would want him. Under fire: How long will David Warner be out of the Australian team? Credit:AP There are fears Warner may tip the bucket on the team if not given hope of a way back but the push for cultural change in the Australian team leaves him as a square peg in a round hole. Warner, whom many insiders believe has long coveted the top job, may have captained Australia last month to strong reviews from his Twenty20 teammates but that show of leadership has proven to be the exception rather than norm in recent times.

Loading While he cleaned up his image after a late-night punch on Joe Root in 2013, the dynamic opener has been a central figure in several controversies which have brought Australia’s behaviour into question. Warner earned the nickname ‘‘The Reverend’’ for his reformed behaviour but there was a notable shift in his behaviour leading into the Ashes when he likened the series to a ‘‘war’’ and urged teammates to find a ‘‘hatred’’ for their opponent as motivation. There have been concerns at Warner's inability to find a middle ground. His spray after the run out of AB de Villiers in Durban followed by the stairwell incident with Quinton de Kock set the scene for this turbulent tour.

Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video Warner has credited meeting his wife Candice (nee Falzon) and fatherhood for being the turning point for his career but there will now be doubts over giving another chance to a man with an extensive rap sheet who turns 32 in October. His numbers remain strong but some are wondering if an average of 45 since the start of 2016 is enough for a man who is becoming such a liability with his behaviour. There will be little sympathy from the CA board, who were not impressed by his combative attitude during last year’s bitter pay war. Loading