Clarke backs Warner to 'relish' being verbally sledged by England in third Test

Australian captain Michael Clarke has said that batsman David Warner will relish being verbally sledged by England in the crucial third Ashes Test at Old Trafford.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Warner, who has made his return to the third Test side from suspension and his sojourn in Africa, may be in for some psychological warfare in Manchester, particularly after his punch thrown at England opener Joe Root in June.

However, Clarke said that there was no need to discuss the possibility of a verbal onslaught at him from England, adding that Warner would look forward to the sledging if that happened.

According to the report, Warner was involved in a heated mid-pitch argument in Pretoria, where he had to be separated from South African wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile, who was pulled back by a teammate as umpires intervened.

Clarke also hoped that Warner, with his 193 for Australia A against South Africa A, would add runs to the beleaguered batting line-up, which has performed well below par particularly in a 347-run defeat at Lord's to fall 2-0 behind in the series.

Insisting that his team's morale was strong, Clarke also said that even though they are fighting for a win at this stage, he expected the 'amazing' attitude and confidence of the players to continue on and off the field, adding that they will be able to get some momentum if they can get a win up.