Ian Chappell backs 'troubled' Warner for winter Ashes selection despite 'misdemeanours'

Former Australian Test captain Ian Chappell has backed troubled batsman David Warner to be one of the first players chosen for the winter Ashes series, starting next month, despite his string of off-field misdemeanours.

Although Warner had a lively start while opening the batting for his grade club Randwick-Petersham on Friday, his stint at the crease was again short-lived.

However, News.com.au reports that Chappell said that if he had been one of the selectors, then he would pick Warner for the Ashes, adding that selectors needed to appreciate Warner's talent for what it was.

Likening Warner's ferocious and at-times devastating playing style to the legendary Doug Walters, Chappell also said that Warner has got to be back in the top six batsmen in Australia, adding that he was unavailable as Cricket Australia (CA) had suspended him.

However, Chappell further said that although he respected Warner for seeking advice to improve his game, he warned him against cramping his game and limit his run-scoring and potential, adding that one of the biggest advantages of having Warner is that bowlers worry every time they face him when he is sticking to his natural free-wheeling approach.