Pace trio primed for Ashes opener: Warner

Test vice-captain David Warner says NSW's rested pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are primed for the Ashes opener in Brisbane.

NSW Blues teammates Mitchell Starc and David Warner

NSW Blues teammates Mitchell Starc and David Warner during their match against WA. (AAP)

They may be a no-show for NSW in this week's top of the table Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland in Brisbane.

But it will be worth the wait when the Blues' Test pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are finally unleashed in next week's Ashes opener at the Gabba, David Warner warns.

NSW's Warner says he has no problem with the Test speedsters being rested for a final Ashes tune-up, the top-ranked Blues' Shield clash with the No.2 Bulls starting at Allan Border Field on Monday.

After rubbing shoulders with the trio in the undefeated Blues camp for two games, Test vice-captain Warner claims the quicks are primed for an Ashes assault.

"Our quicks are ready to go," Warner said of the rested trio.

"We just had two great preparations for them (NSW's two Shield wins).

"They look on point. They are fresh as far as I can see.

"They are up and about and smiling - it is great to see."

Hazlewood will go into the Ashes series with just one Shield game under his belt since a side strain injury, after being a last-minute addition to the rested list days ahead of the Shield clash.

Instead Hazlewood will train alongside fellow rested pacemen Starc, Cummins and Jackson Bird in Brisbane during the final Shield round played before the Test squad is named on Friday for the Ashes opener starting on November 23.

"That's up to the medical staff to assess them and they have been given the game off which is fantastic for them. They will be refreshed and rejuvenated come the first game," Warner said.

He said there would be no excuses from NSW this week despite fielding a new-look attack of Trent Copeland, Doug Bollinger and Sean Abbott against the undefeated Bulls.

"We have still got 11 players on the park, they will do the job for us," he said.

National deputy Warner would not bite on the Test No.6 debate but backed NSW teammate Peter Nevill to reclaim the Test wicketkeeper's gloves and admitted opening partner Matt Renshaw of Queensland needed runs before the Ashes opener, even if it was at the Blues' expense.

"I am a team man and a mate of his (Renshaw)," Warner said.

"You play the game to win but you always wish them the success they can get."


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Source: AAP



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