Before last night, David Warner had never played a first-class game, and had only played 10 One Dayers for New South Wales. After his effort of 89 from 43 balls against the Proteas, he will be most certain to have at least one 4 day game beside his name by the end of the season.
Warner lit up the MCG last night, hitting 6 sixes and 7 fours at an amazing strike rate of 207. The innings earned him the man of the match award and was even compared with former Aussie great Adam Gilchrist for his clean hitting. "It was like you were out there with Gilly when he was in one of those moods," skipper Ricky Ponting said.
Warner became just the 2nd Australian in 132 years to play an international match without a first class game, and after his performance, there have been calls for him to be added to the one day squad.
Just a month ago, Warner was playing grade cricket for Easts cricket club in Sydney, but some superb form for his New South Wales team, including 165* and 97 against Tasmania and some brilliant Twenty20 form gave him his call up to the Australian Team and an IPL contract with the Dehli Daredevils. "A month ago I was playing for my grade side and then New South Wales and now out here, it's simply amazing." he said after earning the man of the match award.
There were criticisms that Warner didn't have enough experience to play an international match, but they were silenced by his big hitting. At only 170cm, Warner has incredible power for such a short man. He has great strength in his forearms which are a great asset to his favourite shot, the pull shot. This strength helped him hit many of his sixes that went into the MCG crowd last night.
He is one of the 3 players along with big hitters Aiden Blizzard and Marcus North who are trialling the new double sided bat by Gray-Nicolls in the Australian Domestic T20 competition. Warner trialled it in a T20 against South Australia at Adelaide Oval and hit a Shaun Tait bouncer onto the roof of one of the stands. He did not use it at the MCG, but he didn't need it.
It is only a matter of time before we see this bloke playing First Class cricket, then maybe One Day international cricket for Australia. Who knows, he could turn into a great opener, or he could be a one hit wonder. Only time will tell. But for now, everyone is on the Warner bandwagon.
1 comment:
Nice work Sean! Thanks for stopping by my site.
I think the key with Warner is just let the guy play his natural game which is big hitting and smart execution.
Many would say don't judge a guy on one match for Australia, however, the domestic T20 and ODI games tell a bit of a story in the making for him. Whether he scores or not come tomorrow evening, we'll see but as long as people don't treat him as a flash in the pan.
Again as you read on my site I have my theory on him and Marsh for tomorrow night!
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