David Warner played a key role in Australia’s comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the ongoing T20 World Cup at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday (October 28).
Chasing 155 to win, the opening batter slammed 65 off 42 balls as the Aussies overhauled the target with three overs to spare. His knock was laced studded with 10 fours.
With this innings, Warner didn’t only secure Australia’s second successive win in the tournament but also silenced the critics questioning his form.
Just before the T20 World Cup, the southpaw was dropped from the playing XI by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) during the second leg of IPL 2021. His last five scores heading into the marquee event were 0, 2, 0, 1, and 14.
However, Warner wasn’t concerned by the talks around his form.
"I actually think people talking about my form is quite funny. I laugh at the matter. I've played hardly any cricket. I had two games in the IPL and then warm-up games are warm-up games for a reason," ESPNCricinfo quoted Warner as saying.
The left-hander attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers from the outset to lay the foundation of Australia’s successful chase.
"Everyone was talking about my form, which I reiterated was not a thing I was worried about. It was about going out there and starting well. That's all we're trying to do, apply pressure to the bowlers," he said.
His first boundary came off Sri Lanka's mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana, courtesy a reverse sweep over short third man.
"I got criticised when I got out to Ashwin in the practice game playing the same shot. We know which bowlers are bowling what, we know where the fields are and we know how to try and apply pressure. If it comes off, it comes off,” Warner said.
"When they're coming over the wicket, they've obviously got their carrom ball to come straight down the line. For me, it's actually a low-risk shot to go with the spin and because you've only got two [fielders] out to protect, you've got to back yourself. It's a shot that I favour. You've got to apply pressure and that's how I start my innings against spin."
David Warner acknowledged that Australia haven’t played much cricket in the last 6-12 months and it was great for him to spend some time in the middle.
"It was great to get out there in the middle and spend some time there, running between the wickets," Warner said. "Little things like that just keep your mind ticking. Obviously in the last six to 12 months we haven't played that much cricket so I haven't been in those situations too often. It's not so much about getting runs for myself, it's about getting us off to a good start and we managed to do that.
"Shutting the critics down? No, never. That's the world of sport. When you ride the highs, you've got to ride the lows and you've got to stay confident, keep a smile on your face, and never let it get to you."
(Inputs from ESPNCricinfo)
