Warner fails to impress in Zimbabwe

Australia batsman David Warner failed to press his Ashes claims after he managed just six in his first match since his suspension for punching Joe Root in a Birmingham bar.

Warner was this week sent to Australia A's tour of Africa to gain match practice after he was overlooked for the first Investec Test at Trent Bridge.

The 26-year-old, who has been retained in Australia's Ashes squad, got little time in the middle, however, as he faced just nine balls against the Zimbabwean Select XI in Harare.

Warner hit a boundary before he was caught behind off opening bowler Kyle Jarvis.

Australia banned Warner from playing in their two Ashes warm-up matches after the incident with Root, which occurred in the early hours following England's Champions Trophy win last month.

The left-hander was then also overlooked for the series opener in Nottingham.

With the second Test starting at Lord's on Thursday, Warner's earliest possible return would be for the third match at Old Trafford, which begins on August 1.

Warner could get three more hits before then with Australia A due to play a second-string South African team in Pretoria from July 24-27 after this match.

Australia also have a tour game against Sussex scheduled for Hove from July 26-28.