Australia send David Warner to 'A' squad in Africa
Australia's selectors have sent David Warner to join the 'A' squad in Africa to gain match practice.
Last Updated: 10/07/13 12:52pm
Warner hit the headlines last month for punching England opener Joe Root.
He was immediately suspended by the Australia selectors until the first Test of the Ashes series.
He missed both the warm-up games against Somerset and Worcestershire and was left out of the XI to play at the first Test at Trent Bridge.
National Selector John Inverarity said: "David has trained hard and been very supportive of the team and his team-mates during the past few weeks, but his preparation for the First Test was not ideal.
"He is in need of match practice and runs in the longer format and the Australia A games in Zimbabwe and South Africa will provide him with the best possible opportunity.
"David remains a member of the Ashes Squad and will return to the England at an appropriate time once we're happy he has had adequate preparation in match conditions.
"Steve Smith will stay on with the Ashes squad for the full tour in England. As a consequence of this Aaron Finch will take over the captaincy of Australia A while Alex Doolan has been promoted to vice-captain.
"The NSP also announces that Ashton Agar has become an official member of the Ashes squad for the series."
Agar, a 19-year-old left-arm spinner with just 10 first class matches under his belt, was a late addition to the squad and he was a shock selection for the first Test.