Warner's X-factor makes up for ugly dismissals - Clarke

Opener David Warner (pictured)is a rare talent and the X-factor he brings to the Australian team more than makes up for the odd ugly dismissal, captain Michael Clarke said on Thursday.

Warner's last Test innings ended with a wild slash at the ball in the defeat to South Africa in Perth, which sent him back to the dressing room with 29 runs to his name and Australia another wicket down as it chased a huge victory target.

The 26-year-old, a brilliant limited overs player who graduated to the Test team last year, will play his 13th Test against Sri Lanka in Hobart this week.