Langer confident in ‘electric’ pair
STEVE Smith and David Warner were always certain to walk straight into Australia’s World Cup and Ashes teams and rival batsmen will feel like they’ve stepped into “an electric chamber” with them fielding nearby.
Coach Justin Langer told News Corp that there were no concerns Smith and Warner couldn’t throw down the stumps in high-pressure moments due to their delicate elbows.
“David Warner’s pace in the field is unbelievable,” Langer said.
“And Steve Smith’s catching ability and ability to read the play in the field is incredible.
“From the ring, yeah (they can run players out). Not from the outfield, but that’s OK — that’s not their role.
“Their role in the team will be to provide energy in the ring. If you’ve got an inner ring of Smith, (Glenn) Maxwell and Warner — my God, it’s like walking into an electric chamber.
“They’ve got so much energy and that’s very exciting for us.”
Smith and Warner both underwent elbow surgery in January.
But Smith, whose injury was serious, bowled two overs against West Indies without strapping on Wednesday (0-11) and could be used by captain Aaron Finch during the World Cup.
The former captain has been working hard on his legspin at training in England and also bowled repeatedly in grade cricket during his 12month suspension last year.
Langer refused to dwell on Warner’s shift to No.3 with this year’s successful opening stand of Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja retained against the West Indies.
Assistant coach Ricky Ponting said playing Warner at No.3 kept rival countries — as well as his top order — “on their toes”.
But News Corp understands that Warner is almost certain to replace Khawaja as Finch’s opening partner when Australia’s World Cup defence begins against Afghanistan in Bristol on Saturday.