Warner ready to fire, says Langer
David Warner has got ‘‘that look in his eye’’ after missing out on runs in the first Ashes test, while Justin Langer is also confident Steve Smith will handle the hype and heat at Lord’s.
Warner scored a total of 10 runs in Australia’s series-opening win at Edgbaston, where Smith’s twin centuries proved the difference between the rivals.
The batsmen were both playing their first test since serving year-long bans for their role in the Cape Town cheating scandal.
Warner and Smith were given a few days off after the first test, travelling in a car together from Birmingham to London while bypassing a tour game in Worcester.
Langer is keen to ensure the superstars avoid burnout during a taxing four months in England that started with the World Cup, knowing frazzled minds were part of the perfect storm that led to the sandpaper saga erupting.
Warner copped the brunt of Barmy Army boos and barbs in the series opener but has since enjoyed some time with his young family.
Langer beamed when asked about Warner’s output at Edgbaston.
‘‘I like it when great players miss out,’’ Langer said before the second test, which starts today.
‘‘It means statistically they’ll probably get some pretty soon, so hopefully it’s this test. They’re great players for a reason and he’s got that look in his eye.’’
There has been plenty of talk about Jofra Archer and Jack Leach being brought into England’s XI to trouble Smith but it was Nathan Lyon’s offspin that caused the former skipper the most trouble in the nets on Monday.
Smith was hit on the left glove by a delivery that spat at him.
The talented batsman continued to bat after the blow but was in some discomfort.
Smith faced Ahmed Raza, a leftarm orthodox spinner from the UAE, during the net session to help him warm up for the challenge presented by Leach.
The run glutton’s batting average against left-arm finger spinners such as Leach is 34.9, compared to his overall test average of 62.96.
‘‘I don’t buy into it,’’ Langer said, when asked if left-arm spin was Smith’s weakness.
‘‘He’s got this incredible ability to solve problems, I’m sure he’ll be thinking a lot about how he is going to play all the new bowlers who are coming in.
‘‘He had three or four days off . . . you’ve just got to recognise they’re humans and they’ve got a certain amount of battery and you try and recharge them for every big event.’’