DAVEY WANTS BIT OF BASH
DAVID Warner will encourage Chris Lynn and D’Arcy Short to take their Big Bash approach into Australia’s Twenty20 tri- series against New Zealand after Aaron Finch was ruled out of the series opener with a hamstring injury.
Lynn and Short are now all but guaranteed to play in tonight’s clash at the SCG, with Warner ( pictured) yet to decide who will accompany him at the top of Australia’s order for the first time.
The pair have been the two undoubted stars of the Big Bash League tournament over the past two years.
Lynn has whacked 457 runs for Brisbane in that time, at a strike- rate of 172, and became the first player to hit 100 BBL sixes last month.
Short has enjoyed the most prolific BBL season on record this summer, hitting a tournament- high 504 runs at a strike rate of 147 for Hobart.
Warner wants both players to play in the same style against the Black Caps and England during the series.
“What comes with that is playing with freedom and clarity and knowing your game so well,” Warner said.
“You don’t need to change anything when you come to this level because you got here because of the way you play.
“That’s the message I got across to the guys. If you see the ball there hit it ... Just go for it. We’re all about executing your skills and doing what you do best. That’s how you got here.”
Australia and New Zealand are yet to determine their final team for tonight’s match, after covers remained on what Black Caps captain Kane Williamson described as a soft pitch.
Warner has no shortage of top- order options, with Adelaide’s Alex Carey also having experience at the top of the order.
“When you pick these teams you’ve got guys in form but they’re in the same positions as well which is always quite challenging,” Warner said.
“D’Arcy and Lynny lead by example in their own teams respectively. Come tomorrow it will probably be ( Short or Lynn) opening with me depending on match- ups with the bowlers.”