David Warner to join Australia A squad

David Warner has been released from Australia's Ashes squad to play for the country's A team in their upcoming matches against Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The 26-year-old failed to take part in the Aussies' warm-up matches ahead of the Test against England after being sanctioned for attacking Joe Root in a Birmingham bar last month.

National selector John Inverarity said in a statement: "David has trained hard and been very supportive of the team and his teammates 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."

Warner has played in 19 Tests for Australia since making his debut in 2011.