Australia captain Michael Clarke has defended opening batsman David Warner's lack of consistency, saying the big knocks that can swing a match are worth all the times he gets out playing silly shots.

Warner has played 12 Tests, at an average just under 42, with three centuries to his name, but in between those tons he has quite a few single figure scores. This has led to some pundits questioning his value, but Clarke insists Warner's big-hitting is vital to the side.

Clarke said ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Hobart: "I think the one thing we have to understand with Davey is the same ball he got out on in Perth, we were all standing and clapping at Adelaide, when it went over cover of slips for four. That's the way he plays.

"The only thing I continue to say to Davey is to make sure you've got that good intent. By good intent I mean more in his mind than the actual shot. Because when Davey's intent is right, his defence is better and his attacking shots are better."

He continued: "He plays his best when he is looking to score runs, there's no doubt about it. Yes we all have to work on shot selection at certain times in your innings but I think with three Test hundreds, he is doing pretty well.

"We would all love to be more consistent and score runs every time we walk out to bat, but I think there's got to be a bit of give and take with Davey as well because we know how he plays.

"Sometimes it's not gonna look great when he gets out but the other side is that he has got that x-factor. He can take a Test match away from any team in the first session."