Australian Test opener Usman Khawaja is expecting his top-order partner David Warner to return to top form sooner rather than later.
Warner, 36, is a modern great of the game but has had his future questioned due to a lean run of form against the red ball.
The left-hander will play his 100th Test on Boxing Day, but hasn’t reached triple figures in the format since January 2020 against New Zealand and has only one 50 to his name from his last 10 innings.
While Warner hasn’t been at his best recently, Khawaja says he and his teammates know the New South Welshman will find himself in the runs “at some stage” this summer.
“Nothing much has really changed if I’m being honest,” Khawaja told SEN Mornings.
“He’s still going about his training really well, he’s still in good spirits and playing well.
“That’s just his experience, he knows he is a quality player and that nothing lasts forever.
“Like himself and all of us do, we know he’s going to score runs at some stage.
“No one can score runs all the time, so it’s just business as usual.”
Given his dwindling form, some have suggested that this summer could be Warner’s last for the national team and Khawaja was asked if he can see his teammate opting to retire.
“Not even close,” Khawaja replied.
“I think he’ll go on and he’s got plenty more to give.
“That thought hasn’t even crossed our mind if I’m being honest.”
At this stage, Warner is firmly in Australia’s plans for a huge 2023 year which includes a potential World Test Championship Final, an away Ashes series, a tour of India and the World Cup.