Warner going strong
CRICKET: David Warner picked up where he left off in Brisbane, making a blistering start on day one of the second Test at a rain-affected Adelaide Oval yesterday.
After winning the toss and batting, the home side was on the back foot following the early dismissal of opener Joe Burns, who was removed by Shaheen Shah Afridi for just four.
With the ball zipping around, all the pressure was on first Test heroes Warner and Marnus Labuschagne – and the pair rose to the occasion yet again, guiding Australia to 1-70 before rain forced an early tea break.
While Labuschagne worked hard for 18, Warner was in impressive form, smacking five boundaries as he raced to 45.
For Pakistan, there weren’t enough wicket-taking deliveries or enough chances being created.
Those sitting in the Aussie dressing room would be thinking about a big score.
Warner, who cracked his 22nd career century in the first Test, has looked in terrific form against Pakistan, with his Ashes demons now long gone in the rear-vision mirror.
While Burns looked uncomfortable before he was caught behind in the fourth over, playing at one that held its line from the left-handed Saheen Afridi, Warner looked in good touch from the outset yesterday.
“This is a signature stroke from Warner – when he’s playing at his best he plays straighter, through extra cover rather than going through point,” Fox Cricket expert Kerry O’Keeffe said after Warner took himself into the 20s with a cover drive.
“His hundred for NSW earlier in the year and again his hundred at the Gabba, these were his zones. Through extra (cover). Looking to play as straight as he can. It’s a good sign.”
Michael Vaughan said as Warner neared the 40s: “A hundred in Brisbane, he’s on his way to another one here in Adelaide.”
Labuschagne, meanwhile, would be looking to cement his place at No.3 after it emerged yesterday that coach Justin Langer had considered shifting him in the first Test to make way for Steve Smith.
“I said to him, ‘should we consider changing the batting order and getting Steve Smith in?’ He’d been sitting there for a long time and it can be mentally taxing,” Langer said.
“He looked at me like I’d just stolen his bike. He said ‘you’ve got to be joking!’”
The Queenslander strode to the crease and made a mockery of Langer’s suggestion on his way to a first Test century and a top score for the match of 185.